The new-generation Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV is now on sale in Australia. It has a new-
generation 20.0 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, twin electric motors, and a revised,
specifically-tuned, Atkinson Cycle 2.4-litre combustion engine. Outlander plug-In Hybrid
EV has up to 84 km of pure electric driving range.
There are all-new front- and rear-mounted electric motors. The front axle motor generates
85 kW, up from 60 kW. The rear motor produces100 kW, up from 70 kW previously.
The rear motor is smaller space than before, enabling the new Outlander Plug-In Hybrid
EV to offer a three-row, ‘5+2’ seating configuration for the first time (on Exceed and
Exceed Tourer).
In the Normal mode (default on start-up), the drivetrain optimises electric and petrol-
electric hybrid drive depending on the battery state of charge and/or torque demand.
The EV priority mode offers a pure EV driving experience (while battery state of charge
allows), even when the accelerator is firmly pressed to its maximum level, as long as
charge is available.
The Save mode works to retain the current amount of electric range, while the Charge
mode engages the on-board generator to charge the drive battery and store it in the
battery for later deployment.
At 20k Wh, its storage capacity 45 per cent larger than the previous generation’s 13.8 kWh
system.
A reinforced differential employs a thicker carrier and stronger shaft and pinion, allowing
the new Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV to increase its regenerative braking capability.
There are six adjustable regeneration levels, capable of being set by the driver, with the
second level acting as default in Normal mode.
Pulling the left-side, steering-wheel mounted paddle engages the third level of
regeneration; the fourth and fifth are deployed with additional left-paddle pulls, while a
reduced regeneration rate is realised by pulling on the right paddle.
Maximum energy regeneration is now realised by the Innovative Pedal Operation mode,
accessed via a centre console button. This makes it possible to accelerate and decelerate
just by controlling the accelerator pedal.
However, the brake pedal must still be used when stronger deceleration is required, or
when stopping the vehicle to standstill.
The 2.4-litre petrol engine powers the on-board generator in Series Hybrid (range
extender) mode, charging the battery for continuous e-motor drive for standing start and
urban cruising speeds.
The engine is also capable of driving the front wheels directly in Parallel Hybrid Mode,
which is enabled at higher cruising speeds or under high load driving situations when the
wheel speed synchronises with engine speed, allowing the single speed transaxle to
engage. The combustion engine now generates a 98kW power peak (up from 94kW).
Combined maximum power and torque outputs are measured at 185kW and 450Nm
respectively.
The combination of extended EV range plus a larger fuel tank (up from 45 to 56 litres)
makes uninterrupted journeys of 800km-plus possible depending on the driving style,
terrain and weather conditions.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV supports multiple charging modes. Charging
ports are accessed via a protective cover on the vehicle’s right off side.
These include an AC connector that supports Mode 2 (standard 240V AC) and Mode 3
(fast 240V AC, with dedicated Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)) charging, while
adjacent is a CHAdeMO port that enables Mode 4 DC rapid charging.
Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables come as standard equipment across the range.
Mitsubishi Plug-In Hybrid EVs are V2X capable. Accessed via the vehicle’s CHAdeMO
charging port with appropriate EVSE, this capability allows the energy stored in the
Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV’s 20kWh drive battery to be discharged; back into the grid
(Vehicle-to-Grid), or to power a home or other property (Vehicle-to-Home) not connected
to the grid (also known as ‘Islanding’) ..
In Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV, Aspire and above, are two on-board 240V AC three-pin
power points that provide up to 1500-Watt Vehicle-to-Load capability, drawing electricity
from the vehicle’s battery to power a range of camping equipment or domestic appliances.
The body is 33 per cent more torsionally stiff than the predecessor model. This has been
realised through increased use of high and ultra-high tensile steel in the body’s
construction, which also benefits occupant safety.
The 18-inch alloy wheels on the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV have 235/60/R18 tyres, 20-
inch alloys are fitted to Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer grades use 255/45/R20 tyres.
The ES and Aspire have a two-row, five-seat layout with 40/20/40 split-fold capability. The
Exceed and Exceed Tourer models have a three-row, ‘5+2’ seat layout.
The All-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV features cutting-edge connectivity as
standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM 3 (wired) featured and Qi
wireless smartphone charging on Aspire grade and above.
A 9.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen has 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument
cluster. This customisable display features multiple display options and extended contents
that are PHEV-specific. These include an energy flow meter, kWh consumption
information and total EV driving time calculator.
All-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV has a five-star ANCAP rating, tested
against the latest 2022 safety protocols.
