Mitsubishi Unveils Outlander Plug-in Hybrid in Paris

Release Date: January 2014
 Battery Pack Size: 12 kWh
Electric Range: 37.4 miles (on Japan's test cycle)
 MPGe: 157.6 MPGe (on Japan's test cycle)
Visit the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Forum
Outlander PHEV cutaway

October 3, 2012

Finally Mitsubishi’s production destined 2013 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicle is making its debut in Paris. Although all of these specs are yet to be confirmed, Mitsubishi estimates the Oultander Plug-in will achieve some impressive numbers. All electric range is estimated at 35 miles, with total range of over 547 miles (likely less when tested by the U.S. EPA). The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid will also retain its 4wd.

Powered by a 2.0liter atkinson cycle engine, and a 70kw-generator to help juice the front and rear electric motors, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a 12kWh battery pack to store any extra energy. The hybrid electric vehicle come with 3 drive modes including pure electric, series, or parallel hybrid. Absolute top speed when using the gasoline powered engine is 106 mph. Top speed in EV mode is 75 mph (and wasn’t specified whether this was pure EV mode or one of the hybrid modes).

Mitsubishi hasn’t released any details as to pricing or launch dates for the SUV, but they did say that the Outlander chassis was built from the ground up to accept a variety of powertrains – Mitsubishi wants to let people know this isn’t another quick EV conversion vehicle that compromises space and weight distribution in order to get to market quickly.

The gasoline engine is located on the right side of the engine compartment, the front electric motor and generator are located on the left side of the engine compartment, the rear electric motor is located under the floor and does not affect rear cargo space, and the battery pack is under the floor inbetween the front and rear wheels and does also not affect interior passenger or cargo space at all.

Mitsubishi is touting the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid’s smooth electric drive line and smooth aerodynamic form that reduces noise, vibration and harshness. The plug-in hybrid version will be offered in a color unique from the gasoline powered Outlanders and will also have visual cues and styling inside that include a unique accent panel, high contrast power meter, and a joy-stick type shift knob.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.