Environmentally-friendly EV driving for everyday use, motor-based hybrid driving for long-range travel.
A reliable power supply in case of emergencies.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS has been developing electric vehicles (EVs) from early on to tackle environmental problems such as global warming and air pollution. We introduced EVs including the i-MiEV and the Minicab-MiEV, which are mainly used as city commuters. However, it is necessary for EVs to overcome such challenges as driving range and charging infrastructure to meet a broader range of expectations.
Our solution to these challenges is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). With a PHEV, you can enjoy EV driving for everyday activities such as shopping, and commuting to work, and hybrid driving for outings and longer trips on weekends without worrying about charging. The electricity stored in the drive battery can be used as power supply for outdoor leisure or in case of power outages and other emergencies. You can also use electricity at home via Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) system.
In a sense, PHEV is a storage battery that runs, and it is a social-good mobility that not only provides a solution to environmental problems but also serves as part of infrastructure to supply power even when it is stationary. With environmentally-friendly technologies centered on PHEVs, we will continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Basic PHEV structure
In order to answer the needs of customers to extend the driving range of EVs, we developed the plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) system by combining our hybrid technologies with the high-environmental performance EV technologies we had developed over the years.
- Equipped with an engine and a generator to produce power for extending EV cruising range
- Primarily driven by two motors at the front and rear as the system is based on an EV architecture
- Hybrid (HEV) equipped with a charger (plug) = Plug-in HEV
Plug-in hybrid EV based on an EV architecture
By equipping our PHEVs with the right amount of lithium-ion batteries:
- Can be used as EVs for most daily activities, and can run without CO2 emissions as gasoline is not consumed in EV mode
- Can be driven long-distances on vacations in HEV mode, which achieves the same or greater driving range as internal combustion engine vehicles and enables comfortable driving without worrying about battery range despite using the motors as the main drive
Automatic switching between driving modes depending on the conditions
Our PHEVs automatically switch between EV and hybrid modes depending on the driving conditions and remaining battery power to enable smooth, comfortable driving.
EV Mode
In this mode, our PHEVs run on the motors using power stored in the battery, without using gasoline or emitting CO2 while running. Drivers can enjoy the quiet, clean, and powerful running feel of the motors.
HEV Modes
- Series Hybrid Mode
In this mode, our PHEVs use the engine as a generator to run the motors in combination with power from the batteries. - Parallel Hybrid Mode
In this mode, our PHEVs primarily run using the high-efficiency engine at high speeds, and apply the excess engine output to generate power for charging the battery pack. The motors assist the engine during acceleration.
