At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi confirmed production of an Outlander Plug-in Hybrid for next year.
“During fiscal 2012, Mitsubishi Motors will also be adding to its lineup an electric vehicle-based Outlander model, which will use a plug-in hybrid system derived from MMC’s already existing EV technology.”
The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid will be a permanent 4WD electric vehicle, supplemented by a gasoline engine when needed – much like Chevrolet Volt.
When fitted to the all-new Outlander, the Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid system (fitted with a gasoline engine) will allow for a range and very low emissions similar to that of the Concept PX-MiEV II show car. That’s a driving distance of over 500 miles (800 km) and a CO2 target below 50 g/km.
Thanks to its unique drivetrain combination of a front electric motor with rear electric motor, plus front engine, drivers will have the choice of three driving modes to choose from.
With an EV range of 31 miles (50 km), the Outlander can run in Pure EV mode (only the front and rear electric motors), Series EV mode (where the gasoline engine assists the twin electric motors, which play a primary role in powering the car) and Parallel EV mode (where both systems work in tandem – this mode is used for higher speeds like freeway driving).
At the same time, the driver can also switch to a Battery Charge Mode while on the move, controlling use of battery power and using the engine as a generator to charge the batteries.
Mitsubishi Motors’ P-HEV system uses a newly developed dual-motor four-wheel-drive system mated to Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control). Based on the four-wheel-drive technology developed in the Lancer Evolution, S-AWC it integrates control of the 4WD, ASC and ABS systems. Working in tandem with the Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid system, S-AWC also contributes to better fuel efficiency.
The two motors drive the front and rear axles independently. Being virtually lag-free and offering superior control, the motors ensure finer more precise control of the 4WD system. The Twin Motor 4WD system does away with the propeller shaft, hydraulic system and clutch plate used to connect the front and rear axles in conventional 4WD systems.
