Mitsubishi Motors to showcase “electro-mobility engineering palette” at Geneva show: diesel hybrid pickup and new EV concepts, European spec Outlander PHEV
13 February 2013
At the upcoming 83rd Geneva International Motor Show in March, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will showcase its full electro-mobility engineering palette—Pure Electric (EV), Hybrid Electric (HEV), and Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV)—through two world-premiere concept cars next to the New Outlander PHEV. MMC has set an objective of 20% of EV-based cars by 2020.
The Concept GR (Grand Runner)-HEV Concept and the CA (Compact and Advanced technology)-MiEV models will share the stand with the European spec Outlander PHEV (earlier post), which recently went on sale in Japan.
The Concept GR-HEV is a concept for a sport utility truck (SUT) with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive diesel-hybrid system (under development) in a pickup truck. Combining a clean diesel engine with a high-output motor and battery, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system achieves on-road CO2 emission levels of below 149 g/km to give it environmental performance among the best in its class, MMC says.
The concept also uses a next-generation 4WD system which incorporates the Super Select 4WD refined in the Pajero series and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics integrated control systems to deliver high stability traction and driving performance under all road conditions.
The Concept CA-MiEV gives an indication of the shape MMC, which launched the i-MiEV in 2009, believes EVs will take in the near future. This concept model incorporates next-generation EV technologies under development at the company, including high-energy density batteries and high-efficiency EV systems (motor, inverter, regenerative braking and wireless charging system). Together with a lightweight and aerodynamic body, it achieves a cruising range of 300 km (186 miles).
The Outlander PHEV is powered by a Plug-in Hybrid EV System powertrain combining two 60 kW independent electric motors (one on each axle); a 12 kWh Li-ion battery pack; and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC gasoline engine.
Much more on the PHEV Outlander here:
http://www.insideoutlander.com/home
Some highlights:
Sells in the Netherlands for less than the Ampera - a European version of the Volt.
Maximum EV cruising speed now 75mph, up from the 62mph of the prototype.
Likely real EV range ~25 miles.
The battery can be used to provide emergency power, run power tools etc.
Due for release in the US Jan 2014 - complying with US regulations will take time.
Posted by: Davemart | 13 February 2013 at 11:01 AM
For the battery Mitsubishi reckon it can be charged twice a day for 10 years before it starts loosing significant capacity.
I am really, really hopeful that this means that they are using the wonderful Toshiba SCiB instead of the GS Yuasa, which would also mean that it has superb low and high temperature performance.
Ten years at 2 charges a day is 7,300 cycles, and unless Mitsubishi have done wonders with the cooling system then that sounds like the Toshiba.
Posted by: Davemart | 13 February 2013 at 11:08 AM
Yes...those batteries (whatever they are) come close to the ideal 10,000 cycles required for future BEVs to last 15+ years.
The next steps would be to increase the energy density, from 200 Wh/Kg to 600+ Wh/Kg and reduce price from about $350/kWh to $100/kWh? Will that be done by 2020/2025?
Posted by: HarveyD | 14 February 2013 at 09:34 AM
That life cycle can be achieved by limiting the SOC in the battery.. the lowly Chevy Volt has a 10 year warranty in CARB States.. I'm sure all manufacturers aim for that number
Posted by: Herm | 14 February 2013 at 10:17 AM