MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PLUG-IN HYBRID EV


Available in 5 and 5+2 seat configurations, the latest Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid
EV range goes on sale in August. Mitsubishi says, “it offers a smoother, more responsive
and quieter drive, with sharper acceleration and longer EV only driving range.”

Featuring a new-generation 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, twin electric motors, and a
revised, specifically-tuned, Atkinson cycle 2.4-litre combustion engine, the new Outlander
Plug-In Hybrid EV offers up to 84km (NEDC) of pure electric driving range.

It has front- and rear-mounted electric motors. The front axle motor generates 85kW, up
from 60kW, while taking up a similar space within the vehicle.

The rear motor produces 100kW, up from 70kW previously. It has a new integrated motor
control unit occupying a smaller space than before, enabling the new Outlander Plug-In
Hybrid EV to offer a three-row,
seating configuration for the first time (on Exceed and Exceed Tourer).

The new drive battery is situated low in the chassis, fitted between the axles for optimum
weight distribution. At 20kWh, its storage capacity is an impressive 45 per cent larger than
the previous version’s 13.8kWh system.

A new battery cooling system ensures optimum battery operation by using the vehicle’s air
conditioning unit, while an upgraded power drive unit is equipped with a voltage boost
function bolstering front e-motor performance, while simultaneously reducing power
consumption through improved efficiency.

There are six adjustable regeneration levels, capable of being set by the driver. Pulling the
left-side, steering-wheel mounted paddles engages the third level of regeneration as a
default; 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 new ‘innovative pedal operation’
mode, accessed via a centre console button. This makes it possible to accelerate and
decelerate just by controlling the accelerator pedal. Mitsubishi says, “Brake pedal must still
be used when stronger deceleration is required, or when stopping the vehicle to a
standstill.”

A 2.4-litre petrol Atkinson cycle engine acts primarily as an on-board generator (or range
extender) in series hybrid mode now generates a 98kW power peak – up from 94kW.

Combined maximum power and torque outputs are measured at 185kW and 450Nm
respectively.
A larger fuel tank (up from 45 to 56 litres) makes a 900km plus combined driving range
possible depending on the driving style, terrain and weather conditions.

The All-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV supports multiple charging modes.
Charging ports are easily accessed via a protective cover on the vehicle’s right rear 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.

Body styling uses strong horizontal design lines to emphasise width, with specially-
designed 18-inch (on ES) and 20-inch (on Aspire and above) alloy road wheels creating a
powerful road presence.

The Outlander’s interior design team focused on improved seat comfort, reduced NVH
levels and high-quality materials usage at key touchpoints throughout the cabin.

Mitsubishi Outlander 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, two/three/two seat layout.

The Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV features cutting-edge connectivity as standard, with
wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto featured plus Qi wireless smartphone
charging on Aspire grade and above.

A 9.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen is standard and all models feature a stunning
12.3-inch full colour digital instrument cluster. This display has multiple options and
extended contents that are PHEV-specific, including an energy flow meter, kWh
consumption information and total EV driving time calculator.

For additional driver engagement, Aspire models and above deploy a 10.8-inch full-colour
windscreen projection Head Up Display.

All-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV has recorded a five-star ANCAP rating,
tested against the latest 2022 safety protocols.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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