Outlander PHEV Powertrain System

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Powertrain System

In America, we are finally getting the first plug-in hybrid crossover in history. This vehicle also happens to be the best-selling PHEV in all of Europe. What SUV is this? The answer is the all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. With this vehicle, we are getting an unprecedented powertrain system that has yet to be overtaken by any vehicle of its kind. The real question becomes, what makes this powertrain so special? There are many reasons as to why this vehicle and the engine under its hood has been taking the world by storm. To start, this SUV combines EV efficiency with gas SUV capabilities–making it contain the best of both worlds. For more information on how exactly this powertrain works, continue reading down below!

How does the PHEV system work?

This is an incredibly sophisticated system that Mitsubishi has developed. They have used two high-output, full-time electric motors that have been separately mounted at both the front and rear axles. These motors instantly supply torque for a responsive performance that works with all-wheel drive. The motor on the front axle is lighter and smaller, that is able to create a higher output enhanced versions of another electric motor that Mitsubishi has previously created. This system also has a front-mounted generator which converts mechanical power into electricity. This conversion allows for the driver battery to be continuously charged. Even the regenerative braking helps to generate electricity! This means that anytime you use your brakes, the electric motors on the front and rear axles start to function as generators. If the non-electric driving is being used, then a 2.0-liter gasoline engine is up to the task.

What are the different drive system modes?

There are three different drive system modes that come with this powertrain system. The first of these is the EV Drive Mode. This mode gives an eco-friendly performance by supplying the electric motors with energy by the lithium-ion drive battery. This is the perfect kind of mode to use for daily tasks, like running errands, or dropping the kids off at school. This truly is a highly-sustainable and low environmental impact decision that you can make. The second mode is the Series Hybrid Mode. This mode kicks in when the energy level in the driver battery is low, and there is a need for more acceleration. The two electric motors run with both the battery pack energy and the gasoline-powered generator. The final drive system is the Parallel Hybrid Mode. This mode allows the Outlander PHEV to use all of its available resources. These resources include the 2.0-liter gasoline engine, the two electric motors that are in the front and back of the vehicle, and the gasoline-powered engine/generator.

What are the driver selected modes?

There are three unique driver-selected modes that are offered with the Outlander PHEV. The first mode is called the ECO Mode. This option reduces electricity and fuel usage in order to create more efficiency. The second mode is the Battery Save Mode. With Battery Save Mode this vehicle automatically conserves energy by putting the vehicle in hybrid mode. An example of his mode is when driving the vehicle in the city, the engine/generator is on in order to maintain a high battery charge. Once you get through the city it could be deactivated to work at the perfect speed in EV Drive Mode. The final driver selected mode is Battery Charge Mode. With this mode on, the engine generates electricity which is then fed into the lithium-ion battery pack. That means that if the vehicle isn’t moving, choosing this mode will help replenish low energy levels in the battery. This recharge can happen in as quickly as forty minutes.

This all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is available in dealerships today! Come check out our inventory of this powerful and life-changing machine, and experience the PHEV powertrain system.