Mitsubishi's compact plug-in hybrid electric Outlander SUV combines the power of a gas engine with an electric motor to propel it. As a result, the Outland plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) boasts a driving range of 420 miles on a single charge and a full gas tank. Mitsubishi continues to offer the most advanced lineup of vehicles to suit any purpose — the new Outlander is more evidence of their success. As Boardman Mitsubishi eagerly awaits the Outlander PHEV's arrival, we thought we'd ask our EV experts to provide a sneak peek into the best features we know you'll love.
The PHEV Powertrain Explained
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles use an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a Lithium-ion battery to propel the car. In Outlander's case, Mitsubishi uses its MIVEC 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with direct injection mated with a continuously variable transmission.
Then, Mitsubishi added twin electric motors, one for each axle. A 20.0-kWh Lithium-ion battery provides the power for these twin motors. The gas powertrain produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. After adding the electric powertrain, Outlander's output increases to 312 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Saving Tips for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Outlander operates efficiently by design. Mitsubishi's mirror bore coating, electronically controlled variable valve timing, and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system naturally improve this efficiency. However, rising gas prices have us all looking for ways to save money at the pump.
Your Outlander PHEV can operate in electric-only mode. Using only electricity to power your Outlander, you can drive up to 38 miles before depleting the battery. However, the average American commutes 41 miles per day or 20.5 miles each way. So if your commute falls within this average, you can drive nearly the entire roundtrip without running the gas engine.
Today, more companies have installed EV charging stations for customers and employees, often free of charge. You'll find them at restaurants, malls, and even parking garages. If your employer doesn't have a charging station, we don't recommend that you find a new job that offers free charging. However, we do suggest you find a station near your workplace where you can recharge while you work. Imagine never having to stop at the gas station again.
Outlander offers an Eco-drive mode that helps conserve gas and electric fuel. Operating in this mode will save you fuel money. Many drivers don't realize it, but using your air conditioner and other electrical systems puts a strain on your powertrain. Shutting off unnecessary systems will save you money.
Adjusting your driving habits can save you money as well. For example, if you drive with the proverbial lead foot, you're wasting fuel. Every time you stomp on the accelerator, gas pumps into the engine as it surges forward. This is an energy waste, mainly if your commute includes stop-and-go traffic. Gentle acceleration will save you money.
Using Outlander's regenerative braking system can also save you fuel. Regenerative braking systems collect the kinetic energy created by the braking process and return it to the EV battery. More power in the battery equals more driving range in electric-only mode.
You also have a Series Hybrid Mode that uses a gas-powered generator that provides a quick charge to the EV battery. As a result, you get a power boost without draining extra fuel. Finally, a Parallel Hybrid Mode activates when you reach cruising speeds on the highway. Outlander recognizes this and adjusts power output to the front wheels driven primarily by the gas engine with some help from the electric motors. This power distribution allows the siphoning of the extra electrical energy to the EV battery, saving you money.
How Many MPG Does a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Get?
Calculating the mpg of an EV isn't the same as a gas powertrain. The EPA expresses this rating as MPGe or miles-per-gallon equivalent. For example, the EPA estimates that 33.7-kWh of electricity is comparable in energy content to one gallon of gasoline. So a car that uses 33.7-kWh to drive 100 miles has a 100 MPGe rating. The Outlander PHEV has a 64 MPGe rating.
How Do I Get the Best Gas Mileage on My Outlander PHEV?
As previously stated, operating in electric-only mode saves you the most money, thus giving you the best gas mileage. After that, you can use the Parallel Hybrid mode on the highway to partially restore electricity to the EV battery and use the gas engine when fuel efficiency is at its best.
Sometimes, your tires can impact your fuel efficiency. For instance, tires with low air pressure have more rubber in contact with the road. This additional contact creates drag, which naturally slows your Outlander down. To counter that drag, you must provide more power, using more gas to travel the same distance. Properly inflated tires have less drag and maximize your efficiency.
Replacing dirty engine air filters can also help improve gas mileage. Outlander's gas engine needs a steady oxygen supply to aid internal combustion. Your engine air filter helps prevent dirt and particulates from entering the fuel system and combustion chamber to protect these essential parts. However, as the air filter gets dirty, less air passes through it. This leads to your engine essentially gasping for air. In addition, less oxygen brought into the combustion chamber means less engine-generated power. This means your engine works harder to travel the same distance.
Boardman Mitsubishi knows what drivers want from a PHEV SUV. That's why we're so excited about the impending arrival of the Outlander PHEV. If you're looking for an SUV to accommodate your growing family but want to lower your carbon footprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander should be at the top of your list. We anticipate high demand for the Outlander PHEV.
To guarantee you get a vehicle, we suggest you reserve your Outlander PHEV online rather than wait until they arrive. However, if you prefer a more personal approach, you can call us at (888) 891-9049 or visit us on Boardman Canfield Road to meet with an EV specialist. They will answer all your questions and get your Outlander PHEV reserved.
Image Credits: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV via mitsubishicars.com