Mitsubishi’s game changing 148 mpg Outlander plug-in uses a clever energy recovery system to harvest electricity that would otherwise be lost. Over 100 miles of mixed driving, up to 15kw/hrs of potentially wasted energy is harvested and put back into the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery.
This means that in a year, driving 10,000 miles, a single Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in could create enough spare electricity to keep on the lights and appliances in 150 UK homes for a day – OFGEM figures put average daily electricity use in UK homes at around 10kw/hrs.
Recovery of kinetic energy – a function of weight and speed - is maximised using a unique paddle-shift system that selects from five precise levels of regenerative braking.
Driver control of when and where kinetic energy is harvested significantly increases the mix of electrical power in the vehicle’s hybrid drive-train. Replenishing the battery in this way extends the petrol-free driving range and offsets the need for power that would otherwise be drawn from National Grid charging infrastructure.
The Outlander plug-in is a full-sized family 4x4 SUV that combines electric and petrol power. Unlike most hybrid vehicles, the Outlander can travel significantly further on electrical power alone - 32.5 miles in fact. The impressive electric range gives the vehicle phenomenal environmental credentials. It emits just 44g/km of CO2 and the official combined fuel consumption figure is 148mpg.
The Outlander plug-in’s on-board computer accurately displays harvested energy and usage in real-time. The paddle shift levers are located on the steering column, enabling the driver to comfortably optimise the level of regenerative braking with changing road and driving conditions.
Steep descents and motorway speeds allow for stronger regenerative braking using level five. Levels two, three and four provide a productive level of regeneration in and around urban areas. Level one provides a lighter but still beneficial level of energy recovery.
The Outlander plug-in attracts zero vehicle excise duty and is exempt from London Congestion Charge. The vehicle also qualifies for the Government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant. In fact it accounts for more than half of all grants. For company car drivers Outlander attracts just five per cent benefit-in-kind tax, saving £8,216 in personal tax over three years compared to a similar size 4x4 SUV.
