On the opening day of the Paris Motor Show it can be hard to know where to look first. But for us, one stand that caught our eye out was Mitsubishi- with the Japanese firm revealing an extensive plan for electric and hybrid cars.
With a new ‘Jump 2013’ plan there is a new 20:20 target (20 per cent EVs and PHEVs by 2020) which will see the carmaker significantly increase its line-up of electrified vehicles, with a plug-in hybrid or electric version planned for every model including the new Mirage.
The first step in the realisation of this plan is the Outlander PHEV, revealed in production-ready form at the Paris Motor Show today.
The model will combine a 2.0 litre petrol engine and two electric motors to drive the front and rear wheels to offer three driving modes; Pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV), Series (Twin Motor 4WD – EV supported by generator) and Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD).
Mitsubishi are targeting a driving range of over 800 km (497 miles), up to a hugely impressive 140 mpg and a CO2 target below 50 g/km for the new hybrid.
Capable of recharging its batteries in 4 hours using a normal domestic electricity supply (240V / 15A), the Outlander PHEV is also compatible with fast chargers; for a quick charge to 80 per cent capacity in under 30 minutes (CHAdeMO standard) .
Mitsubishi says it is the first PHEV to offer the convenience and versatility of a SUV/crossover vehicle.
The Outlander PHEV will go on sale in Japan in early 2013, then launch in Europe later in the year.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
September 27, 2012
Filed under: Mitsubishi
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