Sport-ute shows off Mitsubishi magic
FUSION: 2018 Outlander PHEV boasts the efficiency of an EV and functionality of an all-wheel-drive crossover
Abig indication of how far electrified vehicles have come in the past few years is the number of, well, big ones in the offing.
Common perception might still be that EVs are small, quirky microcars made for the mall and not the mountains, but that’s starting to change with plug-in SUVs from the likes of Range Rover, Chrysler, Volvo, BMW and Porsche available in B.C. right now. And now Mitsubishi joins that list with its 2018 Outlander PHEV, which you’ll be able to drive during the Vancouver auto show’s public electric drive program.
Despite arriving in B.C. showrooms just a couple of months ago, the Outlander PHEV has a proven track record in Europe, where it reigns as the top-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle. It’s not difficult to see why, as it delivers rugged SUV capability along with stellar fuel efficiency (3.2 LE/100km according to the company).
In addition, it’s the only PHEV with DC Fast Charging capability, translating to an 80 per cent charge in less than 30 minutes. Mitsubishi is one of the electric vehicle pioneers, boasting a half-century of EV R&D, equalled only by its accomplished all-wheel-drive technology, battle tested and proven for decades on the world rally circuit. The Outlander PHEV represents a fusion of the EV technologies developed by Mitsubishi Motors for models such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, S-AWC technologies honed from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Outlander, and SUV know-how gained from the Mitsubishi Montero. The result is a 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 SUV.
The heart of the drivetrain is a PHEV system that uses two fulltime, high-output electric motors separately mounted at the front and rear axles. A front-mounted generator converts mechanical power to electricity and continuously charges the drive battery, while a Power Drive Unit (PDU) converts the electric power and sends it to the 60 kW front motor. The rear motor, also 60 kW, and Electric Motor Control Unit (EMCU) are mounted beneath the rear cargo area subfloor. The battery that supplies the electricity for the motors is a high-capacity 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack developed specifically for the PHEV system. For non-electric driving, there’s a 117-horsepower 2.0-litre gasoline engine. 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.
To maximize efficiency and power, there are three drive modes. In the EV Drive Mode, the vehicle is driven by the two electric motors, with energy being supplied exclusively by the lithium-ion drive battery pack. In Series Hybrid Mode, when the energy level remaining in the 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 provided additional electricity by the gasoline-powered generator. And in Parallel Hybrid Mode, the Outlander PHEV uses its full complement of available resources.
Pricing for Outlander PHEV starts at $42,998 MSRP for the SE S-AWC price line, while the SE Touring Package brings the MSRP to $45,998.
The 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show takes place March 28 to April 1 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For tickets and more information visit about your chance to drive this vehicle and others during the public drive program visit vancouverinternationalautoshow.com