THREE WAYS TO DRIVE YOUR PHEV

Electrical Vehicle Technology has come a long way in the last decade, and the Next Gen Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV sits on the cutting edge of this continued evolution.

The latest iteration of the Outlander PHEV takes everything that made the 2015 variation a force to be reckoned with and elevates it to the next level. The biggest Outlander to date, the Next Gen PHEV has improved EV and combined range, made possible by having one of the biggest lithium-ion drive batteries in its class, and regenerative battery technology that makes the medium-sized SUV the perfect addition to almost anyone's lifestyle.

As a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), the Outlander uses both an electric motor and a petrol engine to power the vehicle – giving you the best of both worlds. In this blog post, we’re going to explore three different drive modes your Outlander PHEV automatically switches between to get the most out of its PHEV capabilities.

For many people, dipping their toes into electric vehicle technology leads them to one main question - should I invest in a classic hybrid, a full electric vehicle (EV), or a plug-in electric hybrid? Each vehicle has its strengths, but only the PHEV manages to combine all their strengths into one vehicle, and the three different drive modes in the Next Gen Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are evidence of this.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) DRIVE MODE (ELECTRIC POWER ONLY)

Many people are drawn to the idea of owning a full EV as the prospect of driving fuel-free seems almost too good to be true. Luckily, the Next Gen Outlander PHEV can be driven in EV mode. This model is an all-electric mode, powering the vehicle exclusively from the 20kWh lithium-ion battery. Electricity is sent to both the front and rear electric motors to power the wheels. The Outlander PHEV has an EV range of up to 84km, which is more than double the range the average kiwi needs for their daily commuting needs. This makes the Outlander PHEV the perfect daily driver, meaning that the vast majority of drivers will spend most of their time driving in this mode with zero on-road petrol consumption and zero CO2 emissions. You can enjoy an exceptionally quiet ride that’s eco-friendly to boot. 

The drive battery of the Outlander PHEV can be charged from a standard NZ home power outlet, allowing you to charge the vehicle overnight, meaning the Outlander is ready in the morning for the day ahead. However, for the quickest charge, you can take advantage of a public fast-charger, which can take the battery from zero to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.

SERIES HYBRID MODE (ELECTRIC POWER + ENGINE ASSISTANCE)

One of the major concerns many people have when looking at electric-powered vehicles, most notably EVs, is "range anxiety". This is the fear that they will run out of battery power at an inconvenient time and be stuck with the inability to drive their car. This concern is usually in relation to long distance driving.

The Next Gen Outlander PHEV addresses range anxiety elegantly with Series Hybrid Drive Mode. In this drive mode, the petrol engine acts as a generator that powers the electric motors as needed. This mode is automatically switched to when the battery gets below a predetermined level, or when additional power is required such as in the instance where you need to overtake someone on the motorway or need a bit more pep up a steep hill. This mode extends the driving range of the Outlander PHEV significantly, allowing for a combined driving range of over 800km. It allows all your range anxiety to subside, as in the unlikely event that you run low on both petrol and battery power, you can take advantage of New Zealand's existing petrol station infrastructure as you would with a traditional combustion engine vehicle.

The icing on the cake? Even when tapping into the combustion engine, the Outlander PHEV provides unrivalled fuel efficiency when compared to its combustion engine counterparts - preceding a fuel economy of 1.6L /100km.

PARALLEL HYBRID MODE (ENGINE POWER + ELECTRIC MOTOR ASSISTANCE)

Finally, we have Parallel Hybrid Mode. In this mode, the petrol engine provides most of the power and is helped by the electric motors when necessary. The PHEV automatically switches to this system when the petrol engine needs to operate at peak efficiency, such as high-speed driving. When you need more from the Next Gen Outlander PHEV, it'll be there.

REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM

One of the benefits of owning an electric vehicle is that you can recoup some energy when braking. The Next Gen Outlander PHEV's regenerative braking system captures kinetic energy that would normally be wasted as heat, and uses it to recharge the vehicle's battery. This system automatically activates when your foot is off the accelerator, and can be manually activated using the paddles behind the steering wheel.

The level of regenerative braking can be set to one of three different settings using a switch on the centre console. In "B" mode, the regenerative braking is more intense, meaning that you can recharge the battery faster. This is perfect for short journeys where you know you'll be starting and stopping frequently. "D" mode is the default setting, providing a balance of battery recharging and brake feel. "Eco" mode reduces the level of regenerative braking, meaning that you'll have a more conventional brake feel. This is ideal for long journeys where you won't be stopping as frequently.

Simon Lucas Mitsubishi Are Auckland's Experts on Mitsubishi PHEVs

If you're thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle, or if you're simply interested in learning more about how they work, pay us a visit at Simon Lucas Mitsubishi. Our team of experts would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether an electric vehicle is right for you. So get in contact with us today, book a test drive, and let us welcome you to the world of fuel-free freedom.