Mitsubishi has just announced the launch price of the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). Initially for orders delivered to customers from June 2014, there will be two separate trim levels available; the entry level Intense+ version will sell for €41,950, and it has CO2 emissions of just 44 g/km, slotting in to band A1 with €170 annual road tax.
The second model is the Instyle, with a price-tag of €47,450, and smiler emissions and road tax rate. Power is provided 2.0-litre petrol engine (89kW / 121PS), with the 60kW electric motors located on the front and rear axles.
Mitsubishi Motors Ireland says that the retail price includes the €5,000 SEAI grant and Government VRT relief for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (currently in place until 31st December 2014). The price is also inclusive of batteries.
Comparing favourably with the equivalent diesel version in the current Outlander line-up that retails at €39,950, the PHEV version presents a real alternative for families & business users alike seeking to reduce the cost of motoring without compromising on performance or function.
It has a top speed of 170km/h. and a total combined range of 824km.
Set for launch here next month (June), it will also be the first plug-in hybrid vehicle available for Irish motorists. With the sophisticated PHEV OS (Operating System) the Outlander PHEV represents a breakthrough motoring solution providing clean, highly efficient performance in a robust & spacious SUV body with advanced safety protection including 4WD control.
Mitsubishi claims that the ultra-low running costs of the Outlander PHEV are a key advantage over traditional petrol and diesel cars, with ownership benefits including: €1.20 to charge the electric drive battery at home for a cruising range of 52km; and 1.9 l/100km combined fuel economy. It will also carry a 5-year battery warranty and low service and maintenance costs. In addition, it slots in to the lowest road tax bracket – Tax Band A1 for CO2 Emissions of less than 80 g/km; gives off zero exhaust emissions in EV mode – cleaner for the environment, and Electric Ireland is offering free home charging point installation for the first 2,000 electric car owners.
Interestingly for small business owners, as well as more extensive commercial fleets, the Outlander PHEV offers obvious benefits like reduced fuel, emission and running costs. However, in addition to this, under the ACA (Accelerated Capital Allowances) scheme, operated by the SEAI, companies can write off 100 per cent of the purchase value of “qualifying energy efficient equipment” including a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle against their profit in the year of purchase. Check it out on www.seai.ie for full details.
A high level of equipment and safety features will come as standard on the Outlander PHEV but at the heart of everything is the PHEV OS (Operating System) that incorporates three different drive modes. The ‘EV Drive’ Mode is an all-electric mode in which the front and rear motors drive the vehicle using only electricity from the drive battery. Then there’s the ‘In Series Hybrid’ Mode, where the car is still powered by the front & rear motors, the petrol engine operates as a generator supplying electricity to the electric motors. The third where the system switches to ‘Parallel Hybrid’ Mode when the vehicle reaches consistently high speeds. In this mode the high-efficiency petrol engine provides most of the motive power, assisted by the electric motors as required.
The system bias is to switch back to the EV Drive Mode or Series Hybrid Modes as often and as soon as possible.
The Outlander PHEV has a capacity for 5 adults plus luggage and has a 5-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating.
Equipment highlights include: 18” alloy wheels; front foglights with daytime running lights (DRL); dual-zone automatic air conditioning; navigation system including rearview camera for reversing (Instyle only); 7 airbags including drivers knee airbag; a leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel; cruise control; Bluetooth system with voice control; parking sensors and an electric Sunroof (again with the Instyle version only).
The electric vehicle functions of the Outlander PHEV includes regenerative braking. Activated either when lifting off the accelerator pedal or when braking. Six levels of regeneration available through driver selection increases the level of regeneration.
It also includes ‘Battery Charge’ mode: On-the-go battery charge function. Driver activated function provides 80% charge in circa 40 minutes. In addition, ‘Battery Save’ Mode: a driver selected function to save existing battery charge level with option to drive in EV mode later.
Then there’s Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to warn pedestrians of approaching vehicle below 35 km/h.
And finally, it features on-board recharging system with cable (flat-to-full in 4.5-hours), as well as on-board rapid charging system (flat-to-80% full in 30 minutes).
Overall, Mitsubishi boast that the Outlander PHEV is the world’s first self-power generating Twin Motor (permanent) 4WD plug-in hybrid SUV. And the Japanese carmaker says that it also offers the best of three worlds: the environmental performance of an electric vehicle (EV), the cruising range of a conventional vehicle, and the on and off-road performance of an SUV. When it launches in Ireland it will be the first plug-in hybrid vehicle available for Irish motorists.
