GAC Mitsubishi’s New Eupheme EV Offers 410-Km Range For Under $20,000

GAC Mitsubishi Motors (GMMC) has begun production of an all-new electric SUV in China, dubbed the Eupheme EV.

GMMC is a joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors and Guangzhou Automobile Group — better known as GAC. Designed by GAC, the new Eupheme EV is produced by GMMC in Changsha, Hunan province. The Eupheme EV has a driving range of 410 km (255 miles) over the combined cycle according to the Chinese test methodology.

GMMC has priced the electric SUV from RMB135,800 (approximately $19,650) after EV subsidies.

Although sharing a similar name with the existing Eupheme PHEV, the electric model is based on a different platform. The hybrid is based on the GAC GS4 Trumpchi SUV, while the EV shares underpinnings with the smaller and younger GS3 model. As a result, the Eupheme EV is shorter and has a smaller wheelbase than its plug-in hybrid counterpart.

In the beginning, GAC Mitsubishi Motors will roll out the Eupheme EV in twelve key Chinese cities, including Beijing, Changsha, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Tianjin. Additional markets will be added later this year.

Both automakers hope the new model will support their strategic growth goals, as well as help rapid adoption of “new energy vehicle” (NEV) technologies in the world’s largest car market.

“The launch of Eupheme EV follows the Eupheme Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) SUV to market and is an important milestone for GMMC,” said Mitsubishi Motors CEO Osamu Masuko. “It demonstrates the critical role that EV technology will play in meeting Chinese consumers’ needs and contributes to the automotive industry in China,” he added.