The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV has been unveiled at the Paris motor show. Mitsubishi says the new model is the first in a series of alternatively powered models to be launched over the next 12 months.
Mitsubishi claims the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV will be the first car from a major manufacturer to be designed from the outset with built-in provision for internal combustion or plug-in electric technology. The model is predicted to return 151mpg.
The Outlander PHEV is alone in offering a combination of front electric motor, rear electric motor and a front-mounted engine. This translates into the ability to run in one of three driving modes.
In its Pure mode, it uses the front and rear electric motors to power all four wheels using electricity alone. Mitsubishi says the Outlander is the first permanent four-wheel drive electric car in series production.
In Series mode, the front and rear motors are assisted by a petrol engine generator, while Parallel mode sees the internal combustion engine supporting the electric motors.
Mitsubishi says the PHEV technology is better suited to global markets than diesel due to the more widespread availability of petrol. The new model has a projected range in excess of 500 miles. Emissions below 50g/km are targeted.
The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander will reach showrooms later this year, while Plug-in Hybrid models are slated for a 2013 launch.
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Could they not have made this car any blander?
Confused
I'm a bit confused by the difference between Series and Parallel modes. In one the ICE assists whilst in the other it supports - sounds rather like the same thing to me. Could we have a better description please, or am I just being dumb? I'm assuming the ICE has a direct link to the wheels rather than purely being a generator? If so, all four or just the front two?
Also, 151mpg? Seriously? When I filled up my CTR at the weekend I re-set the trip computer as I coasted down to some traffic lights. For a second the read-out showed 150mpg, before settling to it's usual high-20's. But I too have a car which does 150mpg...
Mitsubishi should just throw
Mitsubishi should just throw in the towel. Without the Lancer Evolution, they are nothing.
We all know that electric power is a dead end and the only way forward is refining the internal combustion engine like Mazda are doing.
Volvophile wrote: We all
Perhaps you should tell GM, Toyota, Nissan, Renault, Citeron, Volvo, Peugot, Honda, BMW, Fisker, and soon Ford and VW that there's no future in electric power and they're all wasting their money.
If Mazda just refine the petrol engine they're go the same way as Saab (who want to invent themselves as an Electric vehicle producer by the way)
xxxx wrote: Perhaps you
I would tell them all if I had the opportunity, including Volvo. Manufacturers have in no way tested the full potential of the internal combustion engine using efficient technology, let alone investigated lighter materials in the production of their cars. I think Mazda should be applauded for going against the grain in their move.
Mitsubishi on the other hand have been dying for a long time and are not helping themselves by getting rid of the Evo. They have produced largely poor cars since the mid 1990's with very few redeeming features and this new Outlander looks like no exception.
Volvophile wrote: xxxx
I don't think they'd listen, however, you could send them an email about "electric power is a dead end ". It seems every 5th story is about a hybrid, range extender or battery power it comes to the point that it is feasible and time to accept that fact. Even the hydrogen boys are beginnning to accept the manufacturers have made their decision, even BMW making the switch from Hydrogen to Battery.