Improved range for Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV continues to expand the horizons of Kiwi families thanks to increased power, improved handling and enhanced off-road capability

Boasting an improved electric vehicle (EV) range – up to 55 kilometres and a combined range of over 600 kilometres – the all-new PHEV comes with a more powerful and efficient 2.4-litre engine.

This development has seen it become the top-selling vehicle of its kind across Europe. 

“One of the few SUV PHEVs in New Zealand to boast DC fast-charging capability, Outlander PHEV now offers a brand new combination of improved performance and exceptional value that we expect will entice more New Zealanders to get on board,” says Reece Congdon, MMNZ head of marketing and corporate affairs.

“There is no doubt that Kiwis’ interest in more environmentally friendly living is growing and, given 80 per cent of our country’s electricity is generated from renewable resources, those who want the best of both worlds can feel good about buying a vehicle that offers EV-only capability, without compromising overall range or performance.”

The electric motor

The higher output rear electric motor takes the combined output of the vehicle’s two motors to 130kW, a 15 per cent larger battery increases capacity from 12kWh to 13.8kWh, and the generator output is up 14 per cent, from 70kW to 80kW.

The extra power provided by the engine and motors, paired with the new sports mode, increases low and mid-range acceleration, improving responsiveness on winding hillside roads.

Icy roads can also be tackled with greater confidence thanks to a new snow mode, which improves cornering stability.

On fast charge

MMNZ has been invested in offering New Zealanders a plug-in electric vehicle option since Outlander PHEV arrived in the country in 2014.

Since then, improvements to New Zealand’s charging infrastructure – alongside vehicle upgrades – have broadened the possibilities for PHEV owners looking to go further in pure EV mode.

“At that time, there were less than 50 fast-charge stations around the country,” says Congdon. “There are now more than 200, including 160 fast-charge stations and 40 other stations, allowing for longer, more convenient journeys on battery power alone.”

The Outlander PHEV‘s EV technology has evolved consistently since then. In 2017, the battery range was extended to 54km, EV priority mode was enabled and DC fast-charge capability, which recharges the battery from 0 to 80 per cent in around 25 minutes, was added.

Featuring both a CHADeMO DC fast charge socket and the AC charging socket, Outlander PHEV offers drivers the ability to charge overnight (7hrs from empty) from a standard power socket and power-up on longer road trips.

The battery cover material has also been upgraded to sheet metal, improving protection against various elements such as water, impact and fire.

Starting at $52,990 (plus on-road costs) for the XLS and $57,990 (plus on-road costs) for the VRX, Mitsubishi New Zealand (MMNZ) is confident the new Outlander PHEV will build on its status as the most popular vehicle in its class