What’s the Outlander PHEV Battery Size?

What’s The Outlander PHEV Battery Size?If you are interested in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), you probably already know that Mitsubishi’s Outlander is the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid crossover. The plug-in capability differentiates the Outlander from other hybrid crossovers. With the plug-in charging feature, you might wonder what the battery size for this high-powered hybrid crossover is.

Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid system uses a high-capacity, 12kW-h lithium-ion main drive battery. The lithium-ion battery powers two, rear and front, electric motors when driving in EV Mode. Combined with a 2.0L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, the Outlander PHEV produces an amount of power similar to that of the Outlander’s V6 engine.

The lithium-ion battery is a critical component of the Mitsubishi Outlander’s plug-in hybrid system. Let’s take a closer look at the main drive battery's power, charging options, and longevity. You will soon see why Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid technology tops the list of available hybrid crossovers.

Where Is The Battery In An Outlander PHEV?

The lithium-ion battery pack is located beneath the floor, between the vehicle’s front and rear wheels. Additional PHEV components, the On Board Charger and the Rear Motor Control Unit, are located beneath the rear, cargo floor.

Due to the storage space necessary for the battery pack and PHEV components, there is no spare tire on the Outlander PHEV. The Outlander plug-in hybrid model does not offer third-row seating; it is a five-passenger crossover vehicle. With the rear row of seating folded down, the Outlander PHEV does provide 66.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

How Much Electricity Does It Take To Charge An Outlander PHEV?

Mitsubishi equipped the Outlander with a 3.7kW on-board charger. When connected to a Level 2 charging station, the Outlander will charge at a maximum of 3.7kW even if the station is rated higher. Although capable of DC Fast Charging, the Outlander will charge at a limit of 22kW as opposed to the maximum available 50kW DC.

How Do I Recharge My Outlander PHEV?

Mitsubishi recommends you recharge the Outlander PHEV as needed to ensure maximum battery power and optimize the eco-friendly fuel efficiency. You can recharge the Outlander PHEV with Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charge. At your home, Level 1 charging requires only a standard, 120V outlet. Level 2 can also be used at your home but needs a professionally installed 240V charging station. Using Level 2 will cut your charge time in half. On the go, use Level 2 with a 240V public charging station or DC Fast Charge station.

How Long Does It Take To Charge An Outlander PHEV?

The Outlander PHEV is equipped with a Level 1, J1772 port for AC charging that can be connected to any standard outlet. When connected to the power grid, the Outlander PHEV takes 13-hours at 120V/8A or 8-hours at 120V/12A to be fully recharged.

Using 240V portable EVSE for Level 2 charging, the Outlander PHEV can be recharged within 3.5-hours from your home's professionally installed charging station or a public charging station.

The Outlander PHEV is capable of connecting to a DC Fast Charge station by using a CHAdeMO DC connector. At DC Fast Charge stations, AC power is converted to DC power in the station. The CHAdeMO transfers DC power directly to the vehicle. In only 25-minutes, your Outlander will be up to 80% recharged.

What Is EVSE Charging?

Also referred to as a ‘charging station’ or ‘charging dock,’ the Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is a portable charge connector with built-in safety features to protect the user, the vehicle, and the power grid. Once plugged-in, EVSE communicates with the car to inform the on-board charger that power is available.

Without any user interface, the EVSE automatically selects the correct amount of current based on the maximum amount of charge the car can receive and the maximum amount of current the charging station can provide. The vehicle’s onboard charger converts incoming AC power into DC power to recharge the battery.

Does The Outlander PHEV Have Regenerative Braking?

While driving, the Outlander PHEV uses the Regenerative Braking Mode to recharge the main drive battery. Regenerative Braking Mode can be controlled by the driver from paddles on the steering wheel to adjust the amount of power transferred to the battery. As the vehicle decelerates by braking or coasting, front and rear electric motors generate electricity to recharge the lithium-ion, main drive battery.

Can I Control When To Use Electricity While Driving The Outlander PHEV?

The Outlander PHEV provides highly efficient performance and a smooth, quiet ride by automatically selecting the optimal driving mode. During EV Mode, the vehicle is entirely powered by electric with zero fuel consumption. The driver can also select the preferred mode of power while driving:

  • EV Priority Mode uses all-electric power from the main drive battery, yet; the gasoline engine will engage if more power is needed.
  • Battery Save Mode stops the use of the main drive battery and engages the gasoline engine. This is the most efficient mode for highway driving.
  • Battery Charge Mode forces the gasoline engine to charge the main drive battery. While using this mode, the lithium-ion battery will reach up to 80% capacity within 40-minutes.

What Is The EV Driving Range On The Outlander PHEV?

Fully charged, the lithium-ion main drive battery has an EV Mode driving range of 22-miles (35-kilometers). However, the driving range does vary greatly, depending on driving conditions and use of the climate control system and interior, electrical features. Driving with Eco Mode and Regenerative Braking Mode can extend your EV driving range.

How Long Does the Battery Last In The Outlander PHEV?

The lithium-ion, main drive battery is expected to last for the life of the vehicle. The battery is not a serviceable item and is not included in the vehicle’s routine maintenance schedule. It is normal to experience some natural degeneration of the lithium-ion battery chemistry during the life of the car. Natural degeneration is not a failure or malfunction, but it could reduce the EV driving range. Battery capacity decreases over time for a variety of reasons including but not limited to:  operating conditions, temperature, storage conditions, and charging frequency.

Mitsubishi offers a fully transferable 10-year/100,000 miles (whichever comes first) warranty on PHEV components and the lithium-ion, main drive battery. Additionally, the Outlander PHEV comes with a 5-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance benefit.

Hopefully, this discussion about the lithium-ion battery in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has sparked your interest in other plug-in hybrid system components.

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