The Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan has awarded Mitsubishi the RJC Technology of the Year 2014 award. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s plug-in hybrid system was the source of the reward.
With more orders than Mitsubishi can fulfill, the Outlander PHEV received the award because:
The Plug-in Hybrid EV system features a high-capacity drive battery, front and rear electric motors, a generator, and a gasoline engine for the generation of power as well as for driving at high speeds, delivering hybrid driving that provides a longer all-electric cruising range and is powered mainly by the electric motors.
The Plug-in Hybrid EV system automatically selects an optimum driving mode for the driving conditions and remaining battery charge from three drive modes:
1. EV Drive Mode
2. Series Hybrid Mode
3. Parallel Hybrid Mode
The Plug-in Hybrid EV system was highly acclaimed for its high level of environmental performance, smooth acceleration, as well functioning with the quietness of a luxury vehicle.
Mitsubishi currently has around 10,000 European orders they are racing to fulfill, and the Outlander PHEV is due in the US sometime in early 2015.
Fantastic EV. Every thing is excellent. EV drive range, series hybrid mode ultra silent cabin and cruising speed are without any competition. But some noise from the rear shock absorbers when going over pot holes makes us a lot uncomfortable. Is the any one who has experienced this.
Best bet would be to ask your question at the Outlander PHEV forum for specific experiences with the vehicle