The Outlander PHEV is claimed as the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV offering Gaia-friendly performance, the cruising range we are accustomed to, and the off-road performance of an SUV. The Outlander PHEV is set to enter the Japanese market early 2013 before a sequential global release thereafter.

The Outlander PHEV uses Mitsubishi's tried and tested hybrid EV system based on electric systems used for the i-MiEV all electric racer and other all-electric vehicles in its stable. A high-capacity 12kWh lithium-ion battery gives the Outlander PHEV an EV Mode cruising range of over 55km. Employing electrical power stored in the drive battery by charging either at home, a charging station or a regenerative system, the plug-in hybrid EV system returns a targeted combined fuel efficiency in excess of 61km/litre, with cruising range in excess of 880km.

Depending on driving conditions and remaining battery juice, the plug-in hybrid automatically engages the best of three driving modes - EV drive, series hybrid and parallel hybrid.

EV drive uses electric power to run the front and rear motors from the drive battery. With zero fuel consumption and carbon emissions the drive is quiet and eco-friendly.

Series hybrid mode is initiated when battery charge has fallen below a predetermined level but a powerful performance is required i.e. overtaking a vehicle or climbing a steep gradient. The engine acts as a generator and supplies electricity to the electric motors. 

Parallel hybrid mode has the petrol engine providing most of the power, with assistance from the electric motors as required. This mode has the petrol engine operating at peak efficiency.