The world’s first plug-in hybrid crossover and the best-selling PHEV in Europe is coming to America.
The all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will arrive in dealerships in December 2017 starting at the MSRP of $34,595.
Featuring a highly efficient 2.0-liter gas engine and two high-performance electric motors, along with Mitsubishi’s superior Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV delivers SUV capabilities and EV fuel economy. The Outlander PHEV is the only PHEV crossover with all-wheel drive in its class. It is also the only PHEV with DC Fast Charging capability.
The Outlander PHEV represents a fusion of the EV technologies developed by Mitsubishi for models such as the i-MiEV, S-AWC technologies honed from the Lancer Evolution, and SUV know-how gained from the Montero. The result is a groundbreaking new model that brings together the superior environmental performance and efficiency of an EV, the stability and handling of S-AWC, and the practicality of a crossover.
PHEV System with Twin Electric Motors All-Wheel Control
The highlight of the all-new Outlander PHEV is the use of Mitsubishi’s sophisticated PHEV system. It uses two full-time, high-output electric motors separately mounted at the front and rear axles to instantly supply torque on demand for incredibly responsive performance with agile all-wheel drive. The front electric motor is positioned transaxle-style on the left side of the gas engine and has an output of 60 kW. The front motor is smaller and lighter with a higher output enhanced version of the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor used in the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
The system features a front-mounted generator that converts mechanical power to electricity and continuously charges the drive battery, while a Power Drive Unit (PDU) helps to convert the electric power and send it to the front motor.
The rear 60 kW motor and Electric Motor Control Unit (EMCU) are mounted beneath the rear cargo area subfloor. Both the front PDU and rear EMCU are intelligent control units that contribute to heightened energy efficiency and optimal motor control.
For non-electric driving, a clean and efficient 2.0-liter gasoline engine is utilized.
The battery that supplies the electricity for the motors is a high-capacity 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack developed specifically for the PHEV system. The battery pack consists of 80 cells configured in a series, with a total voltage measuring 300V and a total storage capacity of 12kWh. The battery is located in a dust and waterproof encasement positioned beneath the passenger compartment subfloor and between the front and rear axles (with no intrusion into the passenger compartment whatsoever).
Regenerative braking is also used to generate electricity for the system. During deceleration (braking), the front and rear electric motors function as generators so that electricity can be generated and fed back into the lithium-ion drive battery pack. Regenerative braking occurs when the vehicle is in motion while the accelerator pedal is not being pressed (coasting) or when the driver engages the brakes by pressing the brake pedal. The level of regenerative braking can be conveniently selected by the driver at any time using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
Three Drive System Modes
Because of its unique drivetrain which combines a front electric motor, rear electric motor, front-mounted gasoline-powered 2.0-liter engine and generator, the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV automatically selects one of three unique drivetrain modes for optimal performance and efficiency.
EV Drive Mode (Twin Motor S-AWC EV)
In the EV Drive Mode, the vehicle is driven in a very eco-friendly performance mode by the two electric motors, with energy being supplied exclusively by the lithium-ion drive battery pack (100 percent electric-powered, zero-emission vehicle). This mode is excellent for running errands/performing family duties on a daily basis as a highly sustainable/low environmental impact form of personal transportation. With the EV mode button the driver can select this driving mode when they desire 100% EV driving.
Series Hybrid Mode (Twin Motor S-AWC EV with Internal Combustion Generator)
When the energy level remaining in the lithium-ion drive battery pack is low or when the need arises for a sudden and/or additional degree of acceleration, the two electric motors are powered by the battery pack and the gasoline-powered generator.
In this configuration, the gasoline-powered generator helps:
1) Charge the lithium-ion drive battery pack
2) Provide power to the pair of electric motors
Parallel Hybrid Mode (Gasoline-Powered Engine Supported by Twin Motor S-AWC)
In this drive mode, the Outlander PHEV uses its full complement of available resources:
1) The 2.0-liter gasoline engine drives the front wheels; the front axle features a built-in clutch that switches the system to Parallel Drive Mode mainly for engine-powered travel at high speeds/steady-state cruise.
2) The two electric motors positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle operate seamlessly when additional power is required, such as driving uphill.
3) The gasoline-powered engine/generator – while operating the vehicle at sufficient speed – will feed any excess energy (electricity) back into the lithium-ion drive battery pack.
The Parallel Hybrid mode is most commonly utilized when the Outlander PHEV is being driven in a long-haul/high-speed steady-state cruise manner such as on the open road or interstate. This is the most efficient drivetrain mode under these types of driving circumstances.
Driver Selected Modes
ECO Mode
The Outlander PHEV features a driver-activated “ECO Mode” switch that reduces both fuel and electricity usage for increased efficiency simply with the touch of the button.
Battery Save Mode
In this driver-activated mode, the Outlander PHEV automatically conserves the energy within the lithium-ion drive battery pack by operating the vehicle in hybrid mode (note: Battery Save Mode will only operate once the lithium-ion drive battery pack’s energy level falls below 90 percent full). For example, engaging the Battery Save Mode would allow the vehicle to be driven in urban traffic with the engine/generator on to maintain a higher level of battery charge; it could then be deactivated, allowing the vehicle to be driven through a neighborhood silently at an appropriate speed in EV Drive Mode.
Battery Charge Mode
When activating the Battery Charge Mode – whether the vehicle is in motion or at a standstill – the engine will generate electricity to be fed into the lithium-ion drive battery pack (essentially forcing the vehicle to operate in Series Hybrid Mode). For example, if the engine is idling and the vehicle is not moving, selecting the Battery Charge Mode will replenish a low energy level within the lithium-ion drive battery pack back up to 80 percent fully charged in approximately 40 minutes.
The advantage to the Battery Charge Mode is giving the vehicle a reserve of additional power when necessary such as hill-climbing or towing.
S-AWC Produces Smooth Linear Response
The Outlander PHEV comes standard with Mitsubishi’s proprietary S-AWC. The S-AWC system found on the Outlander PHEV is a specialized application of the Lancer Evolution-derived Super All-Wheel Control developed specifically for the Outlander PHEV’s unique twin electric motor configuration for maximum performance, efficiency, tractability and safety.
This integrated control system delivers incredible power and control. By optimally managing Active Yaw Control (AYC), Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL) — which now offers enhanced traction on all road conditions — it brings out the full potential of Twin Motor S-AWC without compromising safety, comfort or fuel efficiency. When desired, the driver can press the Twin-Motor 4WD LOCK button to simulate locking of a center differential and optimally distribute torque to all four wheels for improved traction and stability.
Easy Charging with Standard DC Fast Charging Capability
Charging the Outlander PHEV is simple with three different methods to choose from depending on your location and/or needs. The vehicle’s drive battery can be charged with a standard 120V (full charge in less than eight hours) power outlet at home with the supplied charging cable, or with a public or residential 240V (full charge in less than four hours) charging station. Outlander PHEV also comes standard with DC Fast Charging capability, the only Plug-in Hybrid in the market with it. Using this system at commercial charging facilities, the vehicle will charge up to 80 percent capacity in as little as 25 minutes. Charging status is conveniently displayed on the instrument panel.
Spacious Comfort and New Refinement
Inside the Outlander PHEV is an oasis of comfort and refinement where driving pleasure is enhanced by generous legroom, luxurious amenities and a supremely quiet ride. The seats are meticulously finished with standard premium soft leather and the rear seatbacks can be folded to allow for many different adventures. A special PHEV meter cluster design indicates to the driver the energy usage by pointing the needle toward the Power, Eco or Charge zone.
Affixed to the steering column is a pair of paddle shifters which control the regenerative braking system. This allows the driver to adjust regenerative braking strength to any of six settings with the simple flip of the paddles. Other interior features include an advanced EV shift lever and console design, efficiency and ECO monitoring features integrated in the display screen and a premium steering wheel.
Adding to the aesthetic, the Outlander PHEV introduces a new exclusive premium exterior color, Ruby Black Metallic, along with a new interior color choice, dark brown premium leather with red stitched accents.
Warranty and Pricing
The 2018 model year Outlander PHEV comes with a fully transferable 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty as well as a fully transferable 10-year /100,000-mile warranty on PHEV components and the Main Drive Lithium-ion battery. These warranties are in addition to a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty to the original retail purchaser and a 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty. In addition, the Outlander PHEV comes with a 5-year/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance benefits.
The Outlander PHEV will arrive in dealerships in December 2017 with a starting MSRP of only $34,595. 2 For more information please visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
