Mitsubishi PX-MiEV shows next Outlander style

The “Eco-SUV” concept, the Mitsubishi PX-MiEV II Plug-in Hybrid EV, uses independent electric motors on the front and rear axles and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that supplements the electric motors but does not directly drive the wheels. Each electric motor makes 60 kilowatts and the engine a further 70kW.

The Twin Motor system dispenses with the traditional tailshaft, clutch and hydraulic system normally used to connect the front and rear axles reducing torque loss and improving economy.

The five-seat PX-MiEV operates in three different modes: EV mode for around town and at low-to-medium speeds, Series Hybrid Mode when the engine kicks in to recharge the battery or more acceleration is needed and also generates power to the electric motors, and Parallel Hybrid Mode for highway speeds when the engine delivers extra torque to the electric motors.

The PX-MiEV II also harnesses braking energy to charge the battery. In EV mode, range is only 50km. An interesting new function is the ability for the car’s battery to become a power supply, via a socket, to run lights or appliances when camping, for example, or as an emergency power source. It is also vehicle-to-home compatible.

The PX-MiEV II’s styling also offers the best preview of the next Outlander, according to Mitsubishi General Manager, Design, Hiroaki Ohtsuka who said, “Close to 70 percent of the front and rear” design will carry over to Outlander, reflecting the company’s emphasis on the environment.

“The trapezoid design of the [existing] Outlander gives the impression that it takes in a lot of air and eats a lot of gasoline,” Ohtsuka said. “Because Mitsubishi is moving in a more environmental direction, we are shifting the design to send a more environmentally-friendly image instead of our traditional image.”