Mitsubishi is planning electrification or hybridisation of its future model line-up. Over the next four years it plans to refresh its entire model range, which will be offered with an internal combustion engine alongside either a full electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The first model in this programme will be a plug-in hybrid version of the new Outlander, which is slated for a launch early next year. That model will offer 140mpg on the combined cycle, with a range of 25 miles on electric power alone.
Lance Bradley, managing director of Mitsubishi UK, said the Outlander hybrid “feels like it offers the performance of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine”, with running costs acceptable to crossover buyers. He expects a number of conquest sales from Lexus RX450h customers, as well as from less premium brands.
Bradley said that no decision had been made on which models to electrify and which to hybridise, but he suggested the Mitsubishi ASX up would be the smallest model destined for a plug-in hybrid option. The replacement Lancer, a model recently dropped from the line-up due to its unprofitability because of a poor exchange rate, will feature a similar powertrain.
The Mirage city car is likely to be offered with an electric powertrain as an alternative to its three-cylinder petrol engine.
Hybridisation of its commercial models, including the Mitsubishi L200, is viable too. “There’s no reason why commercial vehicle customers wouldn’t appreciate the benefits of hybrid technology. We know the technology works and that it is good,” said Bradley.
