The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV

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The Mitsubishi Motor Corporation, commonly referred to simply as Mitsubishi Motors or Mitsubishi, is a leading Japan based automotive manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Tokyo and has been partly owned (34%) by Nissan, and now part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi-Alliance. Historically the company has been owned by the Japanese conglomerate, the Mitsubishi Group.

The Mitsubishi Outlander was introduced in 2001, initially under the ‘Mitsubishi Airtrek‘ name. The vehicle was based on the Mitsubishi ASX concept vehicle and unveiled at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. The third-generation Outlander was launched in 2013, to include the Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant.

The Outlander PHEV has been well received since 2013, but production has been discontinued by the manufacturer. However, a used Outlander plug-in hybrid is still an option worth considering, given the ‘best-selling legacy’ of this EV.

The Mitsubishi PHEV pairs a 2.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, powered by an onboard EV battery. The automotive manufacturer claims a fuel economy up to 2.0 l/100km for the electric vehicle (EV). Of course, the real-world fuel economy will depend on a number of factors, but none as influential as using the e-mode. Bottom-line, to increase the fuel economy of the vehicle and lower the driving costs, the PHEV should be driven as much as possible on the pure electric mode.

Given the WLTP certified emission-free electric range is 45 km, and most commutes are short, there is much scope for taking advantage of electric driving to save money. The PHEV has a 13.8 kWh onboard EV battery, which is reasonably standard for a PHEV of this size. However, expect the real-world electric range to be closer to 38 km. The EV range is impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, load, regenerative braking, road condition, weather and a lot more.

Taking advantage of the EV range will also require inculcating a habit of charging the EV on a regular basis, which is as easy as charging a smartphone. We at e-zoomed recommend the use of a dedicated EV charging station, like easee to charge the EV.

We do not encourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug. The EV incorporates a 3.7 kW AC onboard charger and is capable of DC charging up to 22 kW (0%-80%: 25 minutes). Do keep in mind that most PHEVs are not DC charging compatible. The EV can be fully charged in 4 hours with a dedicated EV charger.

The performance of the electric SUV is reasonable. The all-wheel drive Outlander Plug-In Hybrid can achieve 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, also benefiting from instant torque. The hybrid drivetrain delivers a maximum power of 135 bhp (torque 211 Nm), sufficient for city and motorway driving. The top speed is 170 km/h.

The Outlander plug-in hybrid has a more traditional exterior design compared to the more recent plug-in hybrid introductions. Having said that, for those keen on ‘familiarity’, the Outlander PHEV is well suited. The interior of the PHEV is not as high quality as a premium badge family SUV, but it does get the job done.

In terms of practicality, the interior cabin is spacious and can comfortably seat 5 tall adults i.e. ample headroom and legroom. Despite the addition of the onboard EV battery, the boot size is decent (463 L). The EV has been awarded a Five-Star NCAP safety rating and the manufacturer offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.

The Outlander PHEV has tailpipe emissions up to 46g CO2/km, much lower than the conventional combustion engine variant (245g CO2/km). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The electric vehicle is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Tried and tested. Sold since 2013	Not as stylish or iconic as other electric SUVs
Cheap to drive on electric mode and DC charging compatibility	Interior cabin quality has room for improvement
Practical and spacious for adults	Type 1 charging

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The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV (credit: Mitsubishi)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (from ₹ N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 13.8 kWh
Charging:	22 kW DC charging (0%-80%: 25 minutes). Onboard charger: 3.7 kW AC (0%-100%: 4 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 1
EV Cable Type:	Type 1
Tailpipe Emissions:	46g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1710
Width (mm):	1800
Length (mm):	4695
Wheelbase (mm):	2670
Turning Circle (m):	10.6
Boot Space (L):	463

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Outlander PHEV
EV Battery Capacity:	13.8 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	45 km
Electric Energy Consumption (km/kWh):	N/A
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	2.0
Charging:	22 kW DC charging (0%-80%: 25 minutes). Onboard charger: 3.7 kW AC (0%-100%: 4 hrs)
Top Speed:	170 km/h
0-100 km/h:	10.5 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (PS):	135
Torque (Nm):	211
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,890
Colours:	5
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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Benefits Of Electric Driving

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The benefits of electric driving are many, with significant advantageous over petrol and diesel internal combustion (ICE) engine cars, for all stakeholders. These benefits include:

• Lower to zero-tailpipe emissions
• Lower running costs
• Lower taxes
• Lower maintenance costs
• Lower noise pollution
• Convenience of charging at home
• Smoother drive
• Instant torque for acceleration
• Lower environmental impact

Below we have highlighted three of our favourite benefits of owning and driving an electric car.

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Improved Air Quality

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or all-electric vehicles do not have tailpipe pollution. In fact, such electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. improving air quality. 

While, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The sooner we migrate to electric driving in India, the sooner we can improve air quality for all our cities, towns and villages. Lower air pollution will also result in a reduced number of health issues arising from inhaling toxic pollutants.

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Lower Maintenance & Running Costs

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain and drive. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The fewer the moving parts, the lower the probability of repair and maintenance. Moreover charging an electric car can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres! A full charge can cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Significantly cheaper than filling a tank of petrol or diesel!

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Lower Noise Pollution

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Yes, we in India are far more resilient to noise pollution than those living in the western world. We have certainly got used to horns blaring and engines roaring, day and night. But that does not mean we enjoy or welcome noise pollution. In fact, quite the opposite!

Though much focus has been on the advantageous of ‘air quality’ with an electric car, just as important, is the benefit of lower noise pollution. In fact, pure electric cars are silent, with an inbuilt ‘sound booster’ to increase road safety for pedestrians.

As our cities in India and across the world become densely populated with cars, the significant negative impact on ‘quality of life’ as a result of increased noise pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles, is just as dangerous, as increased air pollution. Battery-electric cars are a perfect solution in reducing noise pollution and increasing the living standards for us all. Of course, one can only hope that the self inflicted ‘horn blaring’ pollution will also reduce!

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe.

A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.

With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres.

No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV.

Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station). In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars.

MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe. It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen.

Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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