Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, true suv with a ‘surprise’ – ANSA.it

(Andrea Silvuni)
MILAN – The code that accompanies this new version of the famous Mitsubishi Outlander SUV – PHEV, ie Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle – defines only part of the prerogatives of this brand new vehicle ‘ecological’ that without the strong visual impact of technological and other rivals, is likely to mark a decisive stage in the transformation of the fleet in terms of energy efficiency.

The new Outlander PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle in four-wheel drive with two electric units that can recharge itself when in motion but also from rest (using a specific function of the internal combustion engine) or with power supply, providing a total range that exceeds 820 km . Used as a normal electric car the Outlander PHEV travels about 52 km and reaches a top speed of 120 km / h. All at a list price that starts from 44.900 euro, reduced to 38,800 when you consider the incentive Mitsubishi Motor Italian valid for the entire month of June. But not all: the Outlander PHEV, which has a look and road manners similar to that of the 2.2 DI-D turbodiesel variant, has been approved – exploiting the characteristics of the ‘double soul’ thermal and electrical – to an average consumption of 1 , 9 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions of just 44 g / km. In layman’s terms this special offer Outlander in normal use on the highway and off-road versions of the same quality with a petrol or diesel engine – including driving off-road with the S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) function and 4WD Lock for the center differential lock – and the many ‘plus’ of electric cars in urban travel, including access to cost in the LTZ or other benefits vary from city to city or region and the region. In addition to the petrol tank the ‘reserve’ of energy dell’Outlander PHEV consists of a lithium-ion battery pack from 12 kW / h, which is rechargeable, as well as through regenerative braking or by the car engine, even from any outlet 220 volts and 10 Amps Using the three-phase columns is also possible to fast charge to 80% in 30 minutes. The battery pack is housed in a position that does not preserve luggage space from 463 liters nor to limit the ground clearance. On the road Outlander PHEV confirms its ‘double soul’ which, although perfectly disguised under a body of a true SUV, is also that of an EV to impact very close to zero. By setting the mode of driving on electric propulsion moves us using 80 hp of power in the absolute silence and no emissions, at least until – Out of charging the batteries – the internal combustion engine does not intervene to ‘recharge’ the energy reserve. Near the control of an automatic transmission, there are two buttons that perform key functions in this regard: one (Save) makes sure that the gasoline engine takes forever to charge the battery, the second (Charge) starts the motor vehicle is stationary – to example, in a parking lot – to run at constant speed, such as a power generator and avoid having to connect the socket to the network. But when serving performance, the 2-liter petrol is joined by electric motors reaching the maximum level of 200 hp, more than enough – if you do not mind the fuel consumption and the environment – for the behavior of a ‘true’ SUV.