The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV has been unveiled at the Paris motor show. Mitsubishi says the new model is the first in a series of alternatively powered models to be launched over the next 12 months.
Mitsubishi claims the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV will be the first car from a major manufacturer to be designed from the outset with built-in provision for internal combustion or plug-in electric technology. The model is predicted to return 151mpg.
The Outlander PHEV is alone in offering a combination of front electric motor, rear electric motor and a front-mounted engine. This translates into the ability to run in one of three driving modes.
In its Pure mode, it uses the front and rear electric motors to power all four wheels using electricity alone. Mitsubishi says the Outlander is the first permanent four-wheel drive electric car in series production.
In Series mode, the front and rear motors are assisted by a petrol engine generator, while Parallel mode sees the internal combustion engine supporting the electric motors.
Mitsubishi says the PHEV technology is better suited to global markets than diesel due to the more widespread availability of petrol. The new model has a projected range in excess of 500 miles. Emissions below 50g/km are targeted.
The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander will reach showrooms later this year, while Plug-in Hybrid models are slated for a 2013 launch.
