Glancing at the 2016 Outlander PHEV, it seems like Mits might be onto something good. Since we are unlikely to see one of their dandy turbo diesels, my question is "Would you buy a hybrid OS/RVR". If it worked like the PHEV, I sure would consider it!

 

According to the German pricing the PHEV is 50% more expensive than the regular 2.2 L diesel (29 K vs 45K Euros respectively). The difference is even bigger if one opts for the 2.0L gasoline version (no V6 there) to compare. While I embrace the new environmentally friendly technology (a few words on that later) it is simply not economically wise option for me (assuming similar price differences here too).
If the electricity is made by clean technology (e.g. hydro) than it is OK but if it is made by burning fossil fuel then even the environmental impact (globally) is questionable: either the car or the power plant pollutes the environment it is still pollution (CO2 emission is pollution).
Nonetheless, the direction towards cleaner vehicles is a good idea at least at the city level.

 

For me. where a hybrid shines is all those short little trips. Kids to soccer, grocery shopping, etc. I am sure there is a statistic out there that shows the proportion of short trips. And the PHEV can be charged by solar panels. You make a good point about how the power is generated being important. TANSTAAFL

 

Yes, I agree, in short trips is a good alternative. I wonder how much tax break/price break the sate/provincial and federal governments will provide?
Some other things to weigh in when considering the PHEV.
1. Acceleration: One would think that the addition of electric motors would improve the 0-60 (0-100) times. However, the vehicle is quite heavy and the reported values are in the 10 s and above marks. For me it is not a deal breaker but for many it would be (especially in light of the price):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDOVoACjlaY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbOmtzFj14M
2. Total power and power delivery: The power delivery itself and the total available power/torque is not obvious (at least to me). Although the car has a 2.0 L gasoline engine (116 HP, yes it is tuned down from ~150 (depending on the rating in different geographic areas based on fuel quality available there)) and two electric motors at the front and the rear (each with 82 HP). In the most aggressive "parallel mode" one would think that the total power could be as much as 280 HP. This is not the case, however, as the 0-60 (0-100) acceleration numbers indicate. At any given time the two battery can only draw a fraction of current from the battery (how much is not clear). Mitsubishi claims that in parallel mode most of the power is supplied by the gasoline engine (116 HP) and the electric motors contribute if needed.
3. 4wd system: It is more like in the Lexus RX hybrid. Only the rear electric motor provides torque to the rear wheels. As mentioned above out of the 82 HP only a fraction can be available to the rear. Again, this might not be a problem for folks in warm weather but in the snow belt and for offroaders it might matter.
1 and 2 above would not bother me at all but 3 might be an issue in the northern states and Canada.

 

Well it ain't no Tesla that's for sure! LOL But it is claimed to be chargable by solar panels. Screw da man!! All it would need is a solar panel roof.

 

I'd consider it, if it had power and was priced where I could afford it.

I'm pretty much 99% going for 70s/80s Chevy truck as a toy/project, so my OS will be around a good long while as my daily driver. If I do trade it later...it'll be another Mitsu, or maybe a Subaru. I still want to own an EVO someday.

 

I second that!
There's not much else needed to be done by Mitsu other than add the solar panels under the panoramic roof. Especially under Texas skies during summer time, we'd be charged up in an hour, sitting in the parking lot.