Get plugged into Mitsubishi's new Outlander
Filed under: Paris Motor Show
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Mitsubishi has unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of its new Outlander at the Paris Motor Show - one of the first SUVs to be given an eco-friendly twist.
Like Toyota's new Prius plug-in, the Outlander PHEV can be charged up from the mains and driven 34 miles on battery power alone.
After that, the car's 2.0-litre petrol engine will kick in - acting like a generator and charging up the batteries, similar to the system used on Chevrolet's Volt.
Unlike the Volt though, the Outlander has permanent four-wheel drive thanks to two electric motors - one on each axle - and employs a system modified from that of the legendary Lancer Evolution.
Alternatively the engine can bypass the batteries altogether - directly powering the front wheels as on a normal car, and delivering juice to the rear electric motor.
Mitsubishi estimates that the Outlander can be charged fully in four hours from a domestic 240V socket, or up to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes with a special 'fast' charger.
