Just days after the debut of Nissan’s first kei EV– the Sakura, Mitsubishi has unveiled the eK X EV which is essentially Nissan Sakura’s cousin featuring the same technical recipe but aesthetically different.
In terms of design, the Mitsubishi eK X EV is nearly a carbon copy of its non-EV counterpart, featuring the same X-shaped face, dual-tier headlamp configuration, “floating roof” look with partially blacked-out C-pillars, vertical taillights and overall boxy shape. However there are minor differences such as the upper portion of grille which is closed off with black trim & is accompanied by silver accents in the eK X EV, while corner fog lamps are also rectangular in shape instead of circles like on the internal combustion version of eK X.
Exterior of Mitsubishi eK X EV
Inside, the eK X EV doesn’t get the Sakura’s dashboard, but instead carries over the one fitted with the eK X but with subtle differences. For example, the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system are different from what the eK X gets, the latter coming in 7- or 9-inch sizes depending on the variant. Both options – the base G and top-spec P – come with Mi-Pilot, which is what Mitsubishi calls its safety and driver assistance suite.
Interior of eK X EV
Standard systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert and assist, automatic high beam, pedal misapplication control and traffic sign recognition. Passive safety systems include like 7 airbags, vehicle stability control, ABS, EBD, front and rear parking sensors and hill start assist.
Related: Nissan Debuts its First Kei EV, the Sakura
Powertrain is same as Nissan Sakura, consisting of an underfloor-mounted 20 kWh, 350-volt lithium-ion battery that provides up to 180 km of range following the WLTC standard. The battery powers an MM48 electric motor driving the front wheels is rated at 63 hp or 47 kW and 195 Nm of torque, meeting kei car regulations in Japan. Just like Nissan Sakura, it takes 8 hours to fully recharge eK X EV’s battery to 100% using a 2.9-kW AC input, or about 40 minutes to get to 80% with a 30-kW DC input. The battery can also be used as a mobile power source during emergencies and provide a day’s worth of electricity to a home, assuming you don’t need more than 12 kWh per day, which is the average power consumption for general households in Japan.
While Nissan Sakura comes in 3 variants, the Mitsubishi eK X EV has two. Pricing starts from 2.398 million yen (PKR 37.9 lac) for the G, while the P variant retails at 2,932,600 yen (PKR 46.34 lac). However, thanks to Japan’s subsidies for clean energy vehicles, customers will enjoy 550,000 yen (PKR 8.69 lac) off, so the actual starting price is from 1.848 million yen (PKR 29.21 lac). Factor in further reductions that come from the eco-car and light vehicle tax schemes as well as municipal subsidies – 450,000 yen (PKR 7.11 lac) in Tokyo – the eK X EV can be had for as little as 1.018 million yen (PKR 16.09 lac).
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A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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