Greentech Lead America: The new Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from Mitsubishi Motors is expected to be available in 2014, the company said after revealing the model at the 2013 New York International Auto Show.
The new Outlander PHEV is powered by a hybrid drivetrain that combines a 100 percent electric-powered componentry including a pair of reliable 60 kW (80-bhp) electric motors that have been reconfigured for the Outlander application as well as a proven lithium-ion drive battery pack along with a highly fuel-efficient gasoline-powered engine, the company said.
All 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models come equipped as standard with the company’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system that takes advantage of the vehicle’s primary motive force through the use of the front and rear electric motors, making the system a 100 percent electric-powered, EV-based full-time all-wheel drive.
These electric-powered motors produce instantaneous, virtually lag-free power that ensures more precise control of the 4WD as this configuration requires no propeller shaft, clutch plate or hydraulic system to connect the front and rear axles in a conventional internal combustion engine/hydraulic-powered 4WD system.
The twin electric motor/Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system also provides outstanding instantaneous off-the-line acceleration, thanks to the inherent torque characteristics of electric motors.