• 

  The PX-MiEV SUV is based on the Outlander and is expected to go into production in 2013 Photo Gallery

Plug-in hybrids will be the alternative power solution in the medium-term, according to Mitsubishi.

The Japanese manufacturer unveiled its concept PX-MiEV SUV today at the Melbourne Motor Show.

EV product manager Ashley Sanders says there is no final date yet for the production version. “But in the next five years we will have eight new EV or plug-in hybrid-EV models across the range,” he says. “We’ve generally seen in the last few years that we release new models quickly after the global release.”

He is not concerned with the lack of EV charging infrastructure in Australia. “The infrastructure is coming, but in the meantime plug-in models can be plugged in at home. Not having the infrastructure in place is not a concern in the medium term.”

The PX-MiEV SUV is based on the Outlander and is expected to go into production in 2013, while the new Outlander will be released later this year. The PX-MiEV features a 85kW/125Nm 1.6 litre petrol Mivec engine, plus a 60kW/200Nm electric motor. Mitsubishi is also taking orders at its stand for the new i-MiEV electric light car.