Mitsubishi is set to debut the production version of the Outlander PHEV, the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV, later this month during the 2012 Paris Auto Show. Other auto companies have shown concepts of plug-in sport-utilities and crossovers but, so long as Mitsubishi sticks to its plan to launch the Outlander PHEV in Japan by early-2013, the struggling Japanese automaker would be the first out of the gates with a production model. Sales in Europe and the U.S. are scheduled to begin shortly after the Outlander PHEV is first launched in Japan. The Outlander PHEV comes equipped with two 80-bhp electric motors driving each axle, coupled to a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 2.0-liter gasoline-powered 4-cylinder engine. Working in electric-only drive mode, the Outlander PHEV has a driving range of 34 miles – on par with the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid's 38-mile EV range. Once battery power is depleted, the gasoline engine fires up to provide a total driving range of 547-miles. Quick charging can replenish the Outlander PHEV's battery pack to 80-percent of total charge in as little as 30 minutes. A full recharge using a 220-volt outlet would take approximately 3-4 hours.
Programmable Plug-In Performance
One of the most interesting features of the Outlander PHEV is the truck's versatility when it comes to combining performance and economy, along with four-wheel-drive grip and stability. Depending on driving conditions and remaining battery charge, the powertrain will automatically choose one of three different drive modes: EV Drive Mode (with zero emission power coming solely from the twin electric motors and battery pack), Series Hybrid Mode (the gasoline engine serves as an onboard generator when battery power is low, or when extra power is needed) and Parallel Hybrid Mode (the gasoline engine powers the wheels directly, with occasional power provided by the electric motors). The driver can also select Battery Charge Mode in which the gasoline engine serves as an onboard generator to help keep the battery pack's charge topped up.
Helping to ensure the Outlander PHEV isn't left spinning its wheels when the road is slick, the powertrain is coupled to Mitsubishi's proven S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) four-wheel-drive system. Further technical specifics and pricing related to the U.S. model should be released during the Paris show. Presently, the most expensive Outlander sold stateside is the V-6-powered GT S-AWC version, which carries a sticker price of $29,420. It's reasonable to expect the plug-in hybrid variant will fall around that same range, given it's high-tech powertrain and standard fitment of all-wheel-drive.
Mitsubishi desperately needs the Outlander PHEV to be a hit, especially in the U.S. market where sales have slumped. The midsize Galant sedan and Eclipse coupe and convertible disappear from the company's lineup for the 2013 model year. Meanwhile, sales of the bubble-shaped "i" electric sedan have barely gotten off the ground, with only 37 sold during the entire month of August.
Read more in Outlander PHEV forum.
Programmable Plug-In Performance
One of the most interesting features of the Outlander PHEV is the truck's versatility when it comes to combining performance and economy, along with four-wheel-drive grip and stability. Depending on driving conditions and remaining battery charge, the powertrain will automatically choose one of three different drive modes: EV Drive Mode (with zero emission power coming solely from the twin electric motors and battery pack), Series Hybrid Mode (the gasoline engine serves as an onboard generator when battery power is low, or when extra power is needed) and Parallel Hybrid Mode (the gasoline engine powers the wheels directly, with occasional power provided by the electric motors). The driver can also select Battery Charge Mode in which the gasoline engine serves as an onboard generator to help keep the battery pack's charge topped up.
Helping to ensure the Outlander PHEV isn't left spinning its wheels when the road is slick, the powertrain is coupled to Mitsubishi's proven S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) four-wheel-drive system. Further technical specifics and pricing related to the U.S. model should be released during the Paris show. Presently, the most expensive Outlander sold stateside is the V-6-powered GT S-AWC version, which carries a sticker price of $29,420. It's reasonable to expect the plug-in hybrid variant will fall around that same range, given it's high-tech powertrain and standard fitment of all-wheel-drive.
Mitsubishi desperately needs the Outlander PHEV to be a hit, especially in the U.S. market where sales have slumped. The midsize Galant sedan and Eclipse coupe and convertible disappear from the company's lineup for the 2013 model year. Meanwhile, sales of the bubble-shaped "i" electric sedan have barely gotten off the ground, with only 37 sold during the entire month of August.
Read more in Outlander PHEV forum.
