Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Couple of months ago, Mitsubishi launched a full model change on the Outlander which features the most obvious styling a Mitsubishi fan couldn't think of. It's available in 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines and that's it. Period. However, Mitsubishi plans something big for this new model and it promises to be more of an eco car that you can go further through the extra mile. There is now an Outlander that promises to get you through places further...

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Here it is, the world's first 4WD plug-in hybrid vehicle made from Mitsubishi Motors. It's called the Outlander PHEV. Although it looks nearly the same as the latest model, this new model took the lessons that came from the Chevy Volt, which means that as a PHV crossover, you can either refuel it with petrol or charge the batteries in one plug. Thanks to being a full fledged PHEV crossover, the all new Outlander PHEV sure comes in handy if you want to bring your family on a winter vacation on Hokkaido because with an electric range of 67 kilometers per charge and fuel economy of 18.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards, this is a perfect cruiser that can get you through the next prefecture up to another. Might be come in handy for your next adventure to Japan's most beautiful landscapes.

All that power output comes from the dual 60kW electric motors coupled to a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and the 2.0L 4B11 engine that generates 118PS of power and 186Nm of torque. As for the batteries, Mitsubishi's going the right way around because they've placed Lithium ion batteries, the kind of batteries that powers your trusty laptop PC or your new cellphone. These batteries are much lighter than conventional nickel metal hydride batteries that most hybrids have, increased amount of power that can be transferred on the low current, and its self discharge rate is about 5-10% per month. As for the recharging rate, it takes 3 to 4 hours to fully charge the batteries via a 220-volt outlet but if you overdo it, the batteries will about to suffer and the EV range will drop so you better need some careful planning when will you charge the batteries. Well, if you're getting nervous about the batteries, kindly switch on the petrol engine and you'll have as much thinking time to think about the battery charging.

Here in Japan, the PHEV version of the Outlander arrives on late January 2013 and priced at 3,324,000 yen. After much praise, it should be ready for the world market sooner than you can say "you will be upgraded".

Available colors: White Pearl, Titanium Gray Metallic, Black Mica, and Technical Silver Metallic.

PRICE LIST:

2.0 12kWh E - 3,324,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G - 3,569,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G セーフティパッケージ - 3,664,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G ナビパッケージ - 3,978,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G プレミアムパッケージ - 4,297,000 Yen