The new generation Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV (PHEV) is set to arrive in Australian dealerships from mid-August.

Available in 5 and 5+2 seat configurations, the Outlander PHEV range covers four variants starting with an entry-level ES grade, and progressing through Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer models.

Power and energy are delivered via a new-generation 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack, twin electric motors, and a revised, specifically tuned, Atkinson cycle 2.4-litre engine. Mitsubishi claims up to 84km of pure electric driving range, with combined cycle fuel consumption of 1.5L/100km.

The electric motors, located front and rear, both deliver more power than previous models, with the front axle motor generating 85kW (up from 60kW), and the rear motor delivering 100kW (up from 70kW). The rear motor features a new, integrated motor control unit occupying a smaller space than before, enabling the new PHEV to offer a three-row seating configuration for the first time (on Exceed and Exceed Tourer). The 20kWh battery pack is a substantial increase over the previous model’s 13.8kWh set-up.

A reinforced differential employs a thicker carrier and stronger shaft and pinion, allowing the new Outlander PHEV to turn up its regenerative braking capability. There are six adjustable regeneration levels, capable of being set by the driver.

The Outlander PHEV supports multiple charging modes. There’s an AC connector that supports Mode 2 (standard 240V AC) and Mode 3 (fast 240V AC, with dedicated Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)) charging, plus a CHAdeMO port that enables Mode 4 DC rapid charging. Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables come as standard equipment across the range.

The Outlander PHEV also comes with Mitsubishi’s Dendo Drive House bi-directional charging system. Accessed via the vehicle’s CHAdeMO charging port, the system allows the energy stored in the 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.

In Aspire and above, there are also two on-board 1500W, 240V AC three-pin power points that provide Vehicle-to-Load capability, drawing electricity from the vehicle’s battery to power a range of camping equipment or domestic appliances.

Technology and safety features are comprehensive with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature as well as Qi wireless smartphone charging on Aspire grade and above. A 9-inch central infotainment touchscreen is standard across the range and all models feature a 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument cluster offering multiple display options and extended PHEV-specific options such as energy flow meter, kWh consumption information and total EV driving time calculator.

Aspire models and above get a 10.8-inch full-colour windscreen projection Head Up Display.

The PHEV’s suite of safety features include, as standard, Forward Collision Mitigation system with pedestrian and cyclist detection; Predictive Forward Collision Mitigation; Emergency Lane Assist; Lane Departure Prevention; Lane Departure Warning; Blind Spot Warning; Traffic Sign Recognition; and Driver Attention Alert.

The Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV range starts at $54,590 for the ES 5-seat model. The Aspire 5-seat variant is $60,990, while the Exceed 5+2 seat is $65,990 and the range-topping Exceed Tourer 5+2 seat is $68,490.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (July 2022) 

26 July 2022