0 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PLUG IN HYBRID EV

With a long-standing tradition of pioneering technologies and a presence in 160+ world markets, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is rather well equipped to embrace the structural re-shaping affecting the global auto industry, whether geographical or environmental. From the specific demands of the newly emerging markets (affordable, robust yet contemporary vehicles) to the renewed interest of mature areas (down-sized / lighter / more fuel-efficient automobiles), MMC has pragmatically committed its engineering resources to satisfy these new needs, as highlighted in its “Jump 2013” business plan with clear targets (20% of EVs and PHEVs by 2020).
Covering a wide spectrum, MMC R&D is engaged in a multitude of alternative solutions such as:

• Global platforms:
  o   B-Segment Global Small (Mirage)
  o   C/D-Segment Project Global^[1] (ASX^[2], New Outlander)
• Downsizing:
  o   Taking the Outlander crossover concept one notch below with the C-Segment ASX2
  o   Returning to the roots of the B-Segment with the clever 3710 mm long Mirage
• Weight reduction:
  o   Significant gains in all areas for the quieter, safer and better equipped New Outlander (about -100 kg max.)
• Fuel economy / Lower emissions:
  o   “Auto Stop & Go” made available to a wider range of models and powertrains
  o   Continuing refinement of MMC’s own highly efficient 4N13/4N14 Clean Diesel engines
  o   Further development of petrol engine architecture (New MIVEC engines available with New Outlander, Mirage)
• Alternative powertrains:
  o   Expansion of the Mitsubishi range of EVs
  o   Introduction of Mitsubishi’s EV-based Plug-in Hybrid technology (New Outlander)

Building Upon
With this in mind, Mitsubishi Motors is committed to explore the new frontiers that will allow electric vehicles (EVs) to venture beyond urban areas, building upon 40+ years of EV R&D dating back to 1966.
This far-reaching outlook includes long-term R&D of new battery technologies (in line with METI’s Road Map for Next Generation Vehicle Strategy^[3]) and electronics, innovative powertrains (such as in-wheel motors^[4]) or long-haul / ultra-low impact vehicles whose first manifestation is the EV-based plug-in hybrid (P-HEV) version of the New Generation Outlander, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV), unveiled today at the Paris Motor Show:

• The first mainstream car from a major manufacturer envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions for either ICE or PHEV powertrains.
• Same interior and cargo space as Outlander ICE (in 5-seater configuration)
• EV-based architecture: front (60kw) + rear (60kW) electric motors supplemented by front-mounted 2.0 litre petrol engine.
• 12Kw High Capacity Lithium-Ion drive battery (Lithium Energy Japan^[5]-supplied)
• Possibility of plug-in charging (4 hours for a full charge - 240V – 15 A)
• No gearshift (as for EVs)
• Front wheels driven by engine through gear train (Parallel Hybrid Mode).
• Permanent electric 4WD (“Twin-motor 4WD“) with each motor driving its own axle independently for optimal Fr/Rr torque split.
• Lancer Evolution-derived S-AWC (“Super All Wheel Control“) for smooth, seamless driving and increased active safety
• Low centre of gravity and excellent Fr/Rr weight distribution (55% - 45%).
• Automatic selection of Drive Modes:
  • Pure EV
  • Series Hybrid
  • Parallel Hybrid
• Minimum impact :
  • Below 49 g/km - driving (1)
  • Over 61 km/l (1)
    (1)  measured as per EU mode
    (2)  measured as per Japan’s JC08 mode
• Maximum usability :
  • Over 55 km of range / over 120 km/h (where legal) in Pure EV Mode (as per Japan’s JC08 mode)
  • Over 880 km of total range (as per Japan’s JC08 mode)

Engineering Feat
Neither a mere adaptation of an existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle, nor a dedicated Plug-in Hybrid EV technology showcase, the New Outlander PHEV is rather a further variant of New Outlander, next to the petrol or Diesel ICE options and developed as such from the start of the program.
This is an engineering feat that makes New Outlander the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions for either ICE or PHEV power-trains.
Outlander PHEV will be retailed first in Japan early CY2013, followed sequentially by Europe during that same CY2013 and then, other regions.
Beyond EV
After materialising its own 40+ years of EV development first with i-MiEV in 2009 (followed by K-car class electric LCVs for the Japanese domestic market), MMC decided to set its sights on larger electric vehicles, suitable for long distance driving with a full party of passengers and their luggage.
An objective of MMC’s ‘Jump 2013’ business plan is for an extensive range of EVs and PHEVs to be launched by 2015, with these more ambitious automobiles taking stock of the limitations of today’s batteries, namely range, to bring EVs to the mainstream. Hence came MMC’s Plug-in Hybrid technology both EV-based and 4WD.
As a result, the New Outlander PHEV does distinguish itself:

• Mitsubishi Motors’ first Plug-in Hybrid car, it is an EV-based vehicle, relying on MMC’s extensive EV and electronic know-how, supplemented by a petrol engine when needed.
• Making the best use of Mitsubishi’s renowned 4-Wheel-Drive expertise. It is also the first permanent 4WD electric passenger car in series production from a mainstream manufacturer.
• Last but not least, developed within the extensive New Outlander family, it suffers none of the shortcomings of simple(r) adaptations, especially intrusion of added EV components.

A further choice
To put things into perspective, today’s hybrids fall into the following categories:

• 2WD Series hybrids (front ICE + front motor)
• 4WD Series hybrids (front ICE + rear motor)
• 2WD Series / Parallel hybrids (front ICE + front motor)
• 4WD Series / Parallel hybrids (front ICE + front motor + rear motor)
• 2WD Plug-in Series / Parallel hybrids (front ICE + front motor + charging abilities)
• 4WD Plug-in Series / Parallel hybrid (front ICE + rear motor + charging abilities)

With Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi Motors now adds to these categories a Twin-Motor Series / Parallel Plug-in hybrid (i.e.: front ICE + front motor + rear motor + charging abilities).
This with an architecture specific to EVs rather than that of ICE-based vehicles as well as the convenience & versatility of a crossover/SUV :

EV-based Architecture
Taking some of its cues from the i-MiEV, Outlander PHEV can boast a no-compromise EV-specific architecture. In that sense, it does away with the traditional format of engine + gearbox + final drive for a ‘purer’ layout of (front to rear):

• Front engine: 2.0 l petrol^[6], located on the right side of the same engine compartment as New Outlander ICE.
• Front (60 kW) motor + inverter + generator: located on the left side of the engine compartment with the engine, transaxle style. 
• Drive battery pack: stored (safely) underfloor within the wheelbase not to affect interior space.
• Rear (60kW) motor + inverter: located underfloor not to intrude in the cargo area.

This innovative layout features neither a conventional gearbox nor driveshafts, the system being electronically-controlled whilst the petrol engine activates the front wheels (in Parallel Hybrid Mode) through a gear train.
Moreover, Outlander PHEV’s primary motive force comes from the front and rear electric motors as in a 100% EV permanent 4WD vehicle:

• Mitsubishi Motors’ PHEV system uses a newly developed twin-motor four-wheel-drive system mated to Mitsubishi's S-AWC (“Super All Wheel Control”). Based on the four-wheel-drive technology developed and honed in the Lancer Evolution, S-AWC integrates control of the 4WD, ASC and ABS systems. Working in tandem with the PHEV system.
• The two motors drive the front and rear axles independently. Being virtually lag-free and offering superior control, the motors ensure more precise control of the 4WD system. The Twin Motor 4WD system does away with the propeller shaft, hydraulic system and clutch plate used to connect the front and rear axles in conventional 4WD systems.
• In addition to the obvious active safety of such a sophisticated 4WD drivetrain, the Mitsubishi PHEV system gives the 100% instant off-the-line torque inherent to electric motors - with acceleration comparable to that of a 3.0-litre V6 engine - while its twin electric motor will guarantee the smooth progression required in difficult wintery driving conditions.

In parallel, Outlander PHEV also offers its driver the choice of two different settings, manually selectable:

• ECO mode :             Focus is on fuel efficiency
• NORMAL mode :       Optimal balance between motive and environmental performance

As for charging, Outlander PHEV can be plugged to any electric outlet the same way as with i-MiEV, with a charging time of 4 hours for a full charge (240V – 15A) or 30 minutes (with a quick charger) to extend its Pure EV range for all daily commuting duties.
Furthermore:

• The driver can also switch to a “Battery Charge Mode” while on the move, controlling use of battery power and using the engine as a generator to charge the drive battery.
• When the driver applies the brakes, the front and rear motors act as generators recovering kinetic energy and using it to charge the drive battery.

Last but not least, just as for i-MiEV, electronics play a vital role in making PHEV technology a daily reality through further development of MMC’s acclaimed electronic operating system – the brain behind.
The operating system gathers data and information from all the major EV components to provide integrated management of the car’s performance. This advanced management system constantly monitors battery status and the energy recovered from the regenerative brakes while regulating output to ensure smooth and powerful acceleration from a full stop. As a result the system optimises and minimises energy consumption to deliver the most appropriate actual on-road performance.
Outlander PHEV applies further advanced systems from the integrated management system for MiEV series, including a function for the plug-in system. It controls not only battery and motors, but also engine and generator. The operation system automatically selects three driving modes (EV, Series and Parallel) according to the battery level and driving conditions, enhancing driving performance and fuel economy.
Long Haul
As a result, the New Outlander PHEV unique drivetrain combination of front electric motor + rear electric motor + front petrol engine + generator translates into a choice of three driving modes:
o   Pure EV (Twin Motor 4WD EV) :

• The car is driven by the two electric motors, the energy being supplied from the drive battery pack.
• With a top speed of over 120 km/h (where legal) and a range of over 55 km, Outlander PHEV can fulfil daily family duties with the lowest possible impact (below 49 g/km – EU standard).

o   Series Hybrid (Twin Motor 4WD EV supported by ICE generator) :

• When the energy remaining in the drive battery is low or when the need arises for sudden acceleration, the two electric motors take their power from the battery AND from the generator.
• In this configuration, the generator helps 1) with the charging of the drive battery and 2) with the motors.
• The petrol engine is not engaged.

o   Parallel Hybrid (petrol engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD) :

• Outlander PHEV now uses its resources to the full for the open road:
  • Petrol engine driving the front wheels through a gear train,
  • Twin electric motors supporting seamlessly at the front and the rear
  • Generator distributing additional torque to enhance engine efficiency, and saving the electricity of the drive battery
• Then, Outlander PHEV becomes the long-haul / low-impact / safe / comfortable electric grand-tourer MMC R&D intended, with :
  • A driving distance of over 880 km^[7]
  • Fuel consumption of over 61 km/l
  • CO₂ emissions below 49 g/km^[8]

Smooth
Sharing the same wind-tunnel honed body, as well as the same thorough efforts made by MMC R&D to reduce the overall level of NVH as its New Outlander ICE-powered cousins, Outlander PHEV adds the quietness of an electric vehicle in Pure EV mode.
The story continues though in Series Hybrid and Parallel Hybrid modes with a fine management of the power-train meant to minimise the use of the petrol engine or if required, with a strict control of its speed.
Outlander PHEV’s smooth driving experience is further enhanced by the inherently seamless nature of its electronically-controlled accelerations, without any sort of gear shift shock.
Much appreciated as well over long distances (over 880 km range), Outlander PHEV adds to the dynamic qualities of the New Outlander family with its low(er) centre of gravity and an even more stable and comfortable ride – the location of the drive battery under-floor within the wheelbase playing an important role here – as well as an excellent weight Fr/Rr weight distribution of 55% – 45%.
Family Feeling
The most elevated member of the New Outlander family, Outlander PHEV remains nonetheless an Outlander with only – on purpose – a modicum of visual changes, whether exterior (new “Technical Silver” launch colour, specific front grille, LED rear lights, 18 inch alloy wheels, monotone colour-keyed bumpers) or interior (unique accent panel, high contrast meter with power meter, joy stick-type shift knob, etc).
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
All data subject to final homologation
BODY:

• Length:                                  4655 mm
• Width:                                    1800 mm
• Height:                                   1680 mm
• Wheelbase:                           2670 mm
• Tracks:                                  1570 mm / 1570 mm
• Weight:                                  ± 1810 kg
• Cd:                                          0.33
• Tire size / type:                   225/55R18 / low friction
• Seating capacity:                 5
• Trunk capacity:                    Similar as New Outlander ICE (w/cargo box)

POWER-TRAIN:

• Front engine :                  2.0 l petrol (final output still TbC)
• Front motor + inverter:    60 kW (81.6 ps) / 137 Nm
• Generator :                     70 kW (95.2 ps)
• Drive battery pack :         12 kWh, 80 cells, Lithium-Ion
• Rear motor + inverter :    60 kW (81.6 ps) / 195 Nm

TRANSMISSION:

• Permanent electric ”Twin Motor 4WD”
  o   Electronically-controlled drive from motors to wheels – independent front to rear
  o   Integrated ”Super All Wheel Drive Control” module
• Front wheels also driven by petrol engine through gear train (Parallel Hybrid Mode only)

CHARGING:

• On the move :
  o   Generator
  o   Regenerative braking
• Network :
  o   4 hours – normal charging (240V / 15A)
  o   30 minutes – quick charging / up to 80% (CHAdeMO standard)

PERFORMANCE:

• Maximum driving range :     Over 880 km^[9]
• Range in Pure EV Mode :     Over 55 km9
• Fuel consumption :             Over 61 km/l9 
• CO₂ emissions :                  Below 49 g/km^[10]
• Maximum speed :               170 km/h (where legal)