Mitsubishi’s New EV Is a Rebadged Taiwanese Crossover - Not a Real Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi’s latest model, the ASX VR-e, is fully electric and shares nothing with the Renault-based ASX sold in Europe. Instead, it comes from Foxtron, a Taiwanese automaker backed by Foxconn, and is essentially a rebranded Foxtron Bria, the production version of the Model B concept.

Because Mitsubishi didn’t release detailed specs, the numbers come from Foxtron. Most versions use a single rear motor with 229 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. 9 seconds.

All Bria models share a 57.7 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery. Foxtron claims 320 miles of range on the generous NEDC cycle, which would likely be much lower on EPA testing. DC fast charging tops out at 134 kW, reaching 80% in about half an hour.

The Mitsubishi version differs only in styling: the brand name appears in the front vent, the lighting signature is tweaked, rear pillar patterns are different, and the wheels are unique. Inside, it’s identical except for the steering wheel badge. The body was designed by Pininfarina.

The ASX VR-e goes on sale in Australia by the end of this year, with pricing still unannounced. A US launch looks unlikely, Mitsubishi already has the Eclipse Sportback for that niche, and Foxtron doesn’t sell cars in America. However, Foxtron noted its Bria development team was US-based and led by someone in Detroit, hinting it may be eyeing the US market.

This rebadging strategy helps Mitsubishi save money on developing new EVs for small segments, while it works on its own platform for the next Outlander and a shared body-on-frame platform with Nissan for the upcoming Pajero. Foxtron, meanwhile, may expand beyond Australia, possibly into Europe or the US, given its American engineering ties and past interest in partnerships with US startups.