Ever since it started research and development on electro-mobility back in 1966, today’s Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) always believed that electric vehicles (EV) would eventually become long-term core products – a view vindicated by recent concerns over global warming.

From the pioneering i-MiEV in 2009 and a self-imposed objective of 20% of EV-based cars by 2020, MMC has already made significant steps in this direction as demonstrated with the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and its most innovative “Dual Design” architecture.

Expanding further, Mitsubishi Motors now explores the full electro-mobility engineering palette – Pure Electric (EV), Hybrid Electric (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) – hinted at through two concept cars world-premiered at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, next to the New Outlander PHEV.

In parallel, taking a global view of the automotive market, MMC is committed to the development of global architectures that could serve customer needs and requirements in both mature and emerging markets, avoiding engineering compromises.

Concept GR-HEV – The Sport Utility Hybrid Truck

If electric vehicles are to have a significant impact on the environment, they should be able to attract a wide spectrum of customers with a full palette of EV-based vehicles across the range, from small run-a-bouts to big SUVs, each using a dedicated application of the technology (EV, HEV or PHEV).

In this respect, all-new Outlander PHEV has already proved that EV powertrain and long-haul D-Segment crossovers are perfectly compatible.

At MMC the next logical step will be to expand further, adapting electric componentry to the demands of an even larger, tougher, sportier vehicle with both work and leisure in mind in either mature or emerging markets – Such was the brief behind Concept GR-HEV, Mitsubishi Motors’ take at Hybrid (HEV) technology, applied for the first time to a one-tonne pickup truck.

With the creation of a next “Dual Design” vehicle, Mitsubishi Motors introduces an all-new exclusive HEV solution, featuring a Clean Diesel engine and electric motors. Simpler and more affordable than either EV or PHEV, HEV is deemed best suited to the heavy-duty daily requirements of pickup truck users.

Concept GR-HEValso uses Mitsubishi’s renowned full-time 4WD technology, featuring Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system driveline to deliver high stability traction and driving performance under all road conditions.

Chunky, rugged, handsome and eminently usable, this conceptual 4WD Sport Utility HEV Truck was developed with an ambitious target for CO2 emissions below 149 g/km, far better than the segment average.

Concept CA-MiEV – The Suburban EV

Supported by three years of i-MiEV global customer feedback as well as continuous progress in battery technology and electric drivetrain, MMC now considers taking pure EVs beyond a mostly urban environment with a next generation compact EV.

As a showcase of the various technologies, MMC intends to introduce across its range of global vehicles, this sleek Concept CA-MiEV vehicle which can accommodate next generation EV systems and high density batteries. Lightweight with advanced aerodynamics, the CA-MiEV will offer a 300 km driving range, perfectly suited for suburban and country daily life.

Further innovative real-life features include magnetic resonance wireless charging technology, smartphone activated functions.

Source: Mitsubishi