Mitsubishi 'adventurous spirit' teaser points to Delica EV with AWD and off-road chops ^↺

With the amount of interest generated by off-road focussed EVs, like the Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, and the Fisker Ocean Force E, it's no surprise that other electric vehicle brands would want to get in on the action. The latest to join the electric off-roader bandwagon appears to be Mitsubishi, with the brand teasing what appears to be some sort of electric re-imagining of the ever-popular Delica Starwagon. 

The teaser image published by Mitsubishi doesn't give us much to go on, but there are a few clues to be had. The front silhouette, for example, clearly takes inspiration from the boxy shape of the original Delica van. Likewise, the six people seen walking across the beach in front of the vehicle seem to indicate that it will seat at least that many people and carry their luggage. 

In its heyday, the Mitsubishi Delica was a van built on Mitsubishi's pickup truck platform. While it featured a modest four-cylinder power plant, the full-blown four-wheel-drive system — with high- and low-range gears and locking differentials — in the Delica, along with its short overhangs, made it a particularly capable and practical off-roader.

It's unclear how Mitsubishi will position the new electric adventure vehicle, since the only electric drivetrains it has produced in recent years has been the Outlander plug-in hybrid. Mitsubishi has, however, previously entered into a partnership with Renault and Nissan to develop solid-state batteries and 30 electric vehicle models.

While there are some inherent flaws in the concept of an electric overlander — primarily that there are no chargers out in the bush where overlanders are in their element — the granular control, instant torque, and versatility of electric motors make them an attractive prospect for off-road vehicles.

The Japan Mobility Show 2023, where the new Mitsubishi adventure vehicle is set to debut, will start on October 28.

Buy a APLIQE 1:64 Diecast Scale Model Mitsubishi Delica 4WD Van on Amazon.