Mitsubishi's Tiny EV Now Moonlights As Your Home's Emergency Power Supply
A subsidized price under $12,000 is nice, but the real story is a household-grade power outlet that turns this micro EV into portable backup electricity.
Mitsubishi has given its diminutive eK X EV a mid-cycle nip and tuck in Japan, following the same treatment recently handed to its mechanical twin, the Nissan Sakura EV. While the redesigned face and expanded color options grab initial attention, the real headline sits on the lower dashboard, where a new 100V AC outlet capable of handling up to 1,500 watts effectively transforms this kei-class hatchback into a rolling power station.
That outlet means owners can plug in everything from camping gear to kitchen appliances directly from the car, or in a pinch, use the eK X EV to keep essential household devices running during a blackout. For a country as familiar with natural disasters and grid disruptions as Japan, that kind of built-in resilience is a genuinely practical upgrade rather than a gimmick.
Visually, Mitsubishi ditched the Dynamic Shield grille that previously tied the EV to its gasoline-powered sibling. In its place is a cleaner front bumper with more body-colored surfacing, a slim illuminated light bar replacing the old grille opening, and smaller lower intakes. The split headlight design carries over, but the overall effect is softer and more distinct from the combustion-powered eK X. Mitsubishi also cleaned up the side profile by removing plastic wheel arch cladding and skirt trim, while expanding the palette to eleven total shades, including five new two-tone combinations.
Cabin upgrades round out the changes. The top P trim now includes two USB-C ports plus a USB-A port, while heated seats and a heated steering wheel—previously exclusive to the range-topper—now trickle down to the mid-level G grade. A Rear Seat Alert system, designed to catch forgotten passengers or cargo, is now standard across every trim in the lineup.
Mechanically, nothing has changed under the skin. The electric motor still produces a modest 63 hp and 195 Nm of torque, paired with the same 20 kWh battery pack good for a WLTC-rated 180 km (112 miles)—plenty for city errands, less so for long hauls.
Orders are open now in Japan, with deliveries starting later this month. Pricing runs from ¥2,446,400 (about $15,200) for the base G Business Package up to ¥3,214,200 ($20,000) for the loaded P trim. Factor in Japan's EV incentives, though, and that entry price drops to roughly $11,700—making this tiny hatchback one of the cheapest ways to buy both a commuter EV and a backup generator in one package.