Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid EV
Cirencester, UK — At the forthcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show (“Mondial de l’Automobile”), Mitsubishi Motors will continue to roll out its new ‘green’ product generation with a series of premieres. The highlight of this product plan will be the world introduction of the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV.
Neither a mere adaptation of an existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)–powered vehicle, nor a dedicated Plug-in Hybrid technology showcase, the New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (or “PHEV”) will share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced New Outlander’s ICE versions—an engineering feat in itself.
As such, it will be the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions for either ICE or PHEV powertrains.
Adding to its credentials, the New Outlander PHEV will further distinguish itself by being Mitsubishi Motors’ first Plug-in Hybrid car. It will be an EV-based vehicle, relying on MMC’s extensive EV and electronic know-how, supplemented by a petrol engine when needed—a solution more suited to global markets than Diesel.
Making the best use of Mitsubishi’s renowned four-wheel-drive expertise, it will also be the first permanent 4WD electric car in series production.
The New Outlander PHEV’s unique drivetrain combination of front electric motor + rear electric motor + front traction/generator petrol engine will translate into a choice of three driving modes:
- Pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV)
- Series (Twin Motor 4WD – EV supported by generator)
- Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD).
When fitted to the New Outlander, the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid system will allow for a long haul range and very low emissions similar to that of the Concept PX-MiEV II show car, i.e. a driving distance of over 800 km and a CO2 target below 50 g/km.
Whilst the New Outlander ICE will start its commercial career in Western & Eastern Europe in the fall of 2012, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV will be retailed in Europe during the course of 2013.
Complementing this New Outlander family, Mitsubishi Motors will stage further premieres at the Paris Motor Show, aimed at a European audience and to be detailed at a later stage…
No word yet on its availability in North America, but the prospect of a refreshed Outlander (and a possible hybrid model) will be welcomed by Mitsubishi dealers as it is one of the few competitive offerings in Canadian Mitsubishi dealerships.
