New Outlander PHEV on fast charge

The new 2017 Outlander PHEV is a revolution in Mitsubishi’s advance towards more environmentally friendly motoring.

Not only is its battery range extended to 54km, and the battery warranty pushed out to eight years, but it now comes equipped with DC Fast Charge capability, boosting battery power from 0%-80% in about 20 minutes.

“With 48 Fast Charge stations nationwide – 100 are expected to be installed by the end of 2017 – PHEV owners will be able to power up on longer road trips in the time it takes for a quick stretch, coffee and a muffin,” Mitsubishi New Zealand vehicle sales and marketing general manager Daniel Cook says.

The 2017 Outlander PHEV has a DC Fast Charge socket alongside the AC mains connection point. This gives drivers the ability to charge overnight (6.5 hours from empty) in the garage and get a quick top-up on the go.

“This significant development further reduces the compromise posed by battery life in EV technology,” Cook says. “Motorists can now enjoy the freedom of extended periods of emission-free driving, while adding to their fuel savings.”

The Outlander PHEV’s drive battery warranty has been extended to eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. This assurance is in addition to a five year/100,000km mechanical warranty.

Fuel economy for the two litre petrol engine is an improved 1.7L/100km – and with DC Fast Charge rates at 25c/minute + 25c/kWh, owners can expect a swift return on their initial investment.

A new EV priority mode can be activated to prevent the petrol engine from starting up automatically.

An updated EV remote control smartphone app allows owners to set charging times and climate mode.

A Smartphone Link Display Audio is another standard upgrade for 2017, and a rear view camera comes online to help with reversing.

The XLS and VRX both exceed 5 Star ANCAP safety requirements.

Auto High Beam and Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Mitigation are additions to the XLS.

The VRX gets Blind Spot Warning technology and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which registers vehicles approaching from either side as a driver reverses. New radar sensors detect vehicles at a greater distance for increased warning time.

An Electric Park Brake auto releases as the accelerator is applied, and with Brake Auto Hold is now standard across the range.
More than 500 Outlander PHEVs sold since launching in New Zealand three years ago, so uptake of the 2017 model is expected to be strong.