Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Not Hitting American Markets Till May 2016 (Rumor)
Originally published on EV Obsession.
While the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) has been available on the European and Japanese markets for literally years now, the American release just seems to be getting pushed back indefinitely.
On that note, recent reports have stated that the popular plug-in hybrid SUV won’t be available in American showrooms until May 2016.
As you probably realize, this puts the release date well after the (current) release date for the Model X — Tesla’s SUV offering, which is fully electric, rather than a hybrid.
As far as specs for the American release, there are expected to be no significant changes to the powertrain from previous versions. So consumers can expect: two electric motors (one motor to each set of wheels), a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, and a 12-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery module.
This also means that the American offering will have “32.5 miles of electric only range” as determined on the European testing cycle (actual range, as determined by American agencies, will be a fair bit lower).
In addition to having to compete (in a way) with the Model X, the Outlander PHEV will also have to compete with PHEVs from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Volvo… once they all get released here in the US. Considering that these competitor offerings are also set for release relatively soon, it’s too bad that Mitsubishi took so long getting the American release in order. Of course, the stated reasons for the delays has been lack of battery supply and high sales in Europe (where it has been the top-selling EV) and Japan.
Worth noting here is that the company is reportedly working on other PHEVs to supplement the Outlander PHEV.
Related: Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Test Drive (Exclusive Review)
All images by Zachary Shahan | EV Obsession | CleanTechnica
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Well good for them! They are selling everything they can without having to pay for another region (testing if applicable/marketing). Bad for us, the U.S., as this would have helped get more petrol only cars of the streets. It will come here eventually, maybe. Hopefully when it does it’s actually the next gen and offeres better electric only mileage.
I’m not sure we can believe anything Mitsubishi say regarding the Outlander PHEV.
Back in 2013 when the early models of the car experienced battery fires they denied that would delay the USA launch planned for 2014.
Outlander Plug-in forum news
“Mitsubishi says the fires will not delay the Outlander PHEV’s launch in the USA.”
Statement made in 2013.
Autoblog….
“Automotive News reports. Mitsubishi plans to start selling the Outlander PHEV in the US next year.” Statement made in 2013.
This looks like the one for me. Hope it holds up on bumpy gravel and dirt roads. I suspect the delays are because every year lithium batteries fall in price. Now they can minimize their prices for the American market.
They had far more demand in Europe than anticipated. Also, Mitsubishi almost pulled out of the US last year.