With a target for electric-based vehicles[1] (EVs and PHEVs) to represent 20% of its production by 2020, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation aims implicitly to making these EV-based vehicles as mainstream as can be.
Such was one of the primary motives behind the development of Mitsubishi Motors’ proprietary plug-in hybrid electric technology – first fitted to the new Outlander PHEV – with its benefits in terms of charging abilities and driving range.
Advanced safety[2]
In 2011, the 100% electric i-MiEV went through the Euro NCAP crash test with flying colours. Today, Outlander PHEV is awarded 5-stars with an excellent level of protection of the under-floor battery pack and components of the high voltage electric system, unaffected by this crash test:[3]
- Adult Occupant Protection: 88%
- Child Occupant Protection: 84%
- Pedestrian Protection: 64%
- Safety Assist: 81%
Furthermore, Outlander’s advanced “Front Collision Mitigation” system, recently tested by Euro NCAP, is similarly acknowledged for the PHEV version.
Outlander PHEV has just starting its commercial career in Europe with 12,000 orders received as of Nov. 18th, 2013. In the Netherlands, its launch market, the current order rate is of 100 units per week and growing.
