Mitsubishi Motors’ All-New eK X EV Wins RJC Car of the Year and RJC Technology of the Year 2023

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (“Mitsubishi Motors”) today announced that the all-new eK X EV (pronounced “eK ‘cross’ EV”), an all-electric kei-car¹won the RJC Car of the Year in 2023² hosted by the Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference of Japan (RJC). In addition, the all-electric kei-car electrification technology used for the eK X EV won the RJC Technology of the Year 2023 award².

Presenting the RJC Car of the Year award, the selection committee commented:

“With a body size that meets Japan’s road conditions while meeting Japanese kei-car standards, the eK X EV achieves a high level of excellence as a practical electric vehicle (EV), offering a wide range for everyday use, smooth acceleration and precise handling, high-quality interior and exterior, and the latest safety features. Also offered at an affordable price for a wide range of users, eK X EV gives impetus to the advancement of electric vehicles.”

In presenting the RJC Technology of the Year award, the selection committee commented:

“Using the electrification technology that Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors have cultivated over the years, the eK X EV has achieved a reduction in size and cost. Although it meets kei-car standards, it has been refined as a model with increased product appeal. Electrification technology is highly recognized as the cornerstone technology of future small electric vehicles.”

This is the fourth time³ that Mitsubishi Motors has won RJC Car of the Year following the 2020 award won by kei-cars eK wagon and eK X Height-wagon. This is also the sixth time⁴ that the company won the RJC Technology of the Year award following the 2022 award for the Eclipse Cross Evolutionary Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and All Wheel Drive Control (S-AWC).

eK X EV is the new EV model in the eK X series⁵the kei-car series from Mitsubishi Motors with an SUV twist, offered at an affordable price but with a range of 180 kilometers (km, in WLTC mode)^{6, 7} on a single charge, which is enough for daily use. It has been well received for its spacious and pleasant cabin, ease of use, smooth and powerful electric vehicle handling, quiet and comfortable ride, advanced driver assistance systems and connectivity.

Thanks to the electrification technology of the all-electric kei-car, the eK X EV offers the same spacious and comfortable interior as the gasoline model, thanks to the optimization of the EV system layout, as well as high steering stability and driving comfort, made possible by the low center of gravity and ideal front and rear weight distribution. In addition to the electric vehicle manufacturing technology honed with the i-MiEV – the world’s first production electric vehicle – and the Minicab-MiEV, high quality and price competitiveness have been achieved through investments in integrated on-site battery manufacturing, an EV platform production line and more.

At a time when a transition to electrified vehicles is necessary to create a carbon-neutral society, Mitsubishi Motors will continue to provide vehicles that embody the hallmarks of Mitsubishi Motors – a combination of safety, security and comfort, as well as environmental friendliness – and thereby contribute to a sustainable society.

1. Kei-car is a car category in Japan for mini cars.
2. Also awarded Nissan Sakura
3. Previous winners include “i” kei-car (2007 award); Eclipse Cross crossover (2019 award); and eK wagon and eK X height-wagon kei-cars (2020 award).
4. Previously recognized technologies include Galant and Eterna’s INVECS (Intelligent and Innovative Electronic Vehicle Control System) automatic transmission technology (1993 award); INVECS-II Sport Mode FTO automatic transmission (1995 award); Galant and Legnum GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine (1997 award); Outlander PHEV system (2014 award); and the Eclipse Cross’ advanced PHEV and S-AWC systems (2022 award).
5. The lineup includes the eK X, a kei-car station wagon, and the eK X space, an eK station wagon.
6. In Japan, approximately 80 percent of kei-car and compact car users drive 50 km or less per day (Mitsubishi Motors survey). Accordingly, it is estimated that most users can drive for two days without recharging.
7. WLTC, or World Harmonized Lightness Test Cycle, is an internationally recognized test cycle consisting of urban, suburban and highway driving modes with average utilization factors.

SOURCE: Mitsubishi Motors