Multi-Mode eTransmission. Click to enlarge.

Mitsubishi Motors’ new Twin Motor 4WD Plug-in Hybrid Electric crossover is powered by two 60 kW electric motors, one in the front and the other one in the rear. They are fed by a large capacity lithium-ion battery. A gasoline engine and a generator are also fitted.

The GKN Multi-Mode eTransmission used as front transaxle supports three different driving modes with two different power sources:

• Pure EV mode, with the vehicle’s front axle and rear axle driven only by the electric motors, the front motor being attached to the GKN Multi-Mode eTransmission. Energy is sourced from the battery.

• Series Hybrid mode, with the combustion engine driving a generator to charge the traction battery on-the-go whilst the car is still only driven by its front and rear electric motors.

• Parallel Hybrid mode, with the combustion engine’s torque feeding through to the GKN Multi-Mode eTransmission to the front wheels via a hydraulic clutch which remains disengaged in both other modes. Front and rear motors then supplement the petrol engine. Battery charging still occurs too.

The GKN Multi-Mode eTransmission’s lightweight, compact design adds to the car’s low CO₂ tailpipe emissions of 44 g/km.