Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Details

Mitsubishi just began marketing its new production vehicle; the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It’s based off of the all-new Outlander that was debuted this past summer, but the drivetrain has been created solely in house with direction gleaming from the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, according to Mitsubishi.

This is an excited move for Mitsubishi and the auto industry in general! Mitsubishi says that the Outlander PHEV will get roughly 143 MPG (combining hybrid and electric), its range is 547 miles in combined gas and electric mode, but still achieves a range of over 34 miles in electric mode alone.

There are three modes for the Outlander PHEV; EV Drive Mode, Series Hybrid Mode and Parallel Hybrid Mode, all of which the car can automatically select from, depending on the conditions.

EV Drive Mode uses the front and rear electric motors for completely gas-free, electric driving. Series Hybrid Mode uses the gas engine (2.0 L) to power the electric motors. This mode will come into play with the electric motors have reached a certain point or when the vehicle needs more power (faster acceleration, driving up a steep hill). Drivers can also select a Manual Charge Mode, where the engine will charge the battery so the driver can spend more time in EV mode. Parallel Hybrid Mode predominately uses the gas engine; this mode is used at higher speeds.

As far as charging goes, the Outlander PHEV can be charged from zero to capacity in 4.5 hours, or with a higher wattage charger can get an “80 percent quick charge” in just 30 minutes.

Stay tuned for more info about the Outlander PHEV, it’s going on sale in Japan early on in 2013, and should be rolling over to the US shortly thereafter. We’ll keep you updated!

Electric version not for you? Check out our 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander or our 2012 & 2013 Outlander Sport selection by clicking the name of the vehicle! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our very own Certified Electric Vehicle Salesperson, Adam Crowley at (802) 865-4400 ex. 207.

All images and information via Green Car Reports

Meet Adam! Burlington Mitsubishi's Certified Electric Vehicle Consultant

Q&A with Adam Crowley, Sales & Electric Vehicle Consultant

This weekend celebrates National Plug-In Day, which is being honored at multiple places across the state, including Burlington Mitsubishi. In conjunction with this special weekend, we did a Q&A with Adam Crowley, our very own Certified Electric Vehicle Sales Consultant. Check it out below, and be sure to stop by Burlington Mitsubishi tomorrow to test drive and/or hear more info about the 100 percent electric, 112mpg-achieving Mitsubishi i-MiEV. (See question and answer No. 4 for some real details about the cost savings of EVs!)

Q: What got you interested in selling cars, particularly EVs?
A: I have a passion for cars. Mainly though; I love helping people, and a car purchase is someone second biggest investment. EV, well that’s easy. It's the future! In the years to come it will all be electric cars! I love technology and that’s what EVs are; they are all technology.

Q: What was the certification process like to become a Certified EV Salesperson?
A: To become EV Certified, it was an intense two-day training event. I had to fly down to Philly and sit through five different phases, the last was hands on; we got to drive three different electric vehicles so we could compare with our competition.

Q: Why did you choose to become certified in that area?
A: Mainly because we are in VT, where we are a green state. Vermont is a front runner in clean air, green living, etc. I thought it would be perfect to sell EVs in VT. Especially Burlington!

Q: Do you believe people should generally be switching over to Hybrids and EVs? Why or why not?
A: Oh yes for sure. There are not too many vehicles that will actually pay you back when you drive them. Our Mitsubishi i-MIEV will. You save over $9,800 in five years just from fuel cost, let alone servicing your vehicle. You see our service department once a year! No oil changes, no checking fluids, making sure your exhaust isn’t leaking, etc. Plus when you plug in your car at home, for most people it’s under $3 per month addition on your utility bill! Versus what, $50 a fill up at the gas pump? No brainer!

Q: What are the benefits of driving EVs?
A: No fuel, no maintenance, clean air, interactive driving (driving modes on i-MIEV), Clean world and pay back your bank account!

Q: Why do you like selling EVs?
A: I get to meet really cool people who are all about saving our pretty world. I love it!

Q: Anything else we should know about you?
A: I am avid tennis player - used to play professionally, and still do teach! I am happily resided in Burlington at the moment, not too far from work and I love what I do. Even if you’re not quite ready for an Electric Vehicle, please stop by and see me. You've got to at least check it out! My hours are 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Stop by tomorrow or Sunday for National Plug-In Day, or stop by at any time to see Adam and check out the Mitsubishi i-MiEV!