Mitsubishi has revealed more details of the new Outlander PHEV SUV that will make global debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show later this month.
The new Outlander PHEV is based on the new Outlander which first debuted in Russia in July and is to be introduced in other European markets starting from September.
The Outlander PHEV uses firm’s own Plug-in Hybrid EV System powertrain derived from 100% electric systems used on the i-MiEV and other Mitsubishi all-electric vehicles.
The Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, and brings together the environmental performance and quietness that distinguish EVs while delivering the utility and on- and off-road performance associated with 4WD sport utility vehicles and the cruising range of a conventional ICE-powered vehicle.
The Outlander PHEV, which combines a Twin Motor 4WD system comprising two 60 kW independent electric motors (one on each axle); a 12 kWh Li-ion battery pack; and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC gasoline engine, has a targeted fuel economy in excess of 61 km/liter (143.5 mpg US, 1.6 l/100km) and a cruising range in excess of 880 km (547 miles). Fuel economy figure is based on a combination of fuel consumption when driven in all-electric mode and when driven in hybrid mode on the Japanese JC08 mode.
Depending on driving conditions and remaining battery charge, the Plug-in Hybrid EV powertrain automatically selects the optimum drive mode for comfortable driving while providing superior fuel efficiency.
EV Drive Mode: EV Drive Mode is an all-electric mode in which the front and rear motors drive the vehicle using only electricity from the drive battery. With zero on-road gasoline consumption and zero CO2 emissions the driver can enjoy quiet and very eco-friendly performance in this mode.
Series Hybrid Mode: In Series Hybrid Mode the gasoline engine operates as a generator supplying electricity to the electric motors. The system switches to this mode when the remaining charge in the battery falls below a predetermined level and when more powerful performance is required, such as accelerating to pass a vehicle or climbing a steep gradient such as a slope.
Parallel Hybrid Mode: In Parallel Hybrid Mode the gasoline engine provides most of the motive power, assisted by the electric motors as required. The system switches to this mode for higher-speed driving when the gasoline engine operates at peak efficiency.
The high-capacity 12 kWh lithium-ion drive battery gives Outlander PHEV an EV Drive Mode cruising range of over 55 km (34 miles) in JC08 mode, sufficient for all-electric operation in most everyday situations.
The driver can also manually switch to Battery Charge Mode in which the gasoline engine acts as a generator and charges the drive battery whether the vehicle is stationary or on the move. Battery Charge Mode gives the driver the flexibility to use the gasoline engine as a generator at any time they want; for example if the driver wants to use EV Drive Mode at a specific time, they can make sure the drive battery has enough energy for that time.
The Outlander PHEV uses a Twin Motor 4WD system comprising independent electric motors to drive the front and rear wheels. In addition to decreased friction loss Twin Motor 4WD delivers better response and finer control than conventional mechanical systems. It accomplishes this without a propeller shaft or other mechanical components seen in conventional mechanical systems. The Twin Motor 4WD system is integrated with Mitsubishi’s well-proven S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to deliver high levels of stability and all-terrain performance and ensure the vehicle behaves just as the driver intends it to.
In addition, the front and rear electric motors generate maximum torque immediately, an inherent characteristic of electric motors, giving acceleration comparable to that of a vehicle powered by a large displacement high-output ICE and allowing Outlander PHEV to deliver superior levels of environmental and driving performance.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
