Mitsubishi has confirmed the development of a new hybrid version of its Outlander crossover, which will not require external charging. The Japanese automaker plans to offer a simplified alternative to the existing plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which will make the electrified model more accessible to a wider range of buyers, especially in countries where a suitable charging infrastructure has not yet been built.
As it became known, the new hybrid will be built on the same platform as the current PHEV version, but will receive a smaller battery - approximately up to 2 kWh instead of the current 22.7 kWh. This means that the car will not be able to run solely on electric power, and the electric motors will only work as an auxiliary component to improve fuel efficiency and dynamics.
According to reports, the powertrain will retain the 2.4-liter gasoline engine combined with electric motors, but the focus will shift from all-electric capabilities to overall efficiency. The goal is to offer drivers a traditional hybrid transmission with automatic power distribution without the need for an electrical network, similar to that used in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
This approach allows Mitsubishi to respond more effectively to the needs of markets with limited access to charging infrastructure. As the company notes, different regions will receive appropriate electrification options - from the so-called “mild hybrids“, which are also already in development, to full hybrids and PHEVs. Although there is no specific date for the launch of the new hybrid, it is already a strategic priority for Mitsubishi in the coming years. This development direction is part of a broader plan for electrification of the brand's range, which must take into account the regional characteristics of each market.