Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced the global debut of new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models of the Xpander and Xpander Cross crossover MPVs. The HEV models are produced at the Laem Chabang Plant of Mitsubishi Motors in Thailand, and will go on sale shortly.

 

The Xpander, launched in 2017, is a crossover MPV which combines the comfort and versatility of an MPV with the bold styling and road performance of an SUV. The Xpander Cross, launched in 2019, is the top variant on the series. The Xpander series sold over 130,000 units globally in 2022.

 

The HEV models combine Mitsubishi Motors' trademark electrification and all-wheel control technologies to raise the appeal of the Xpander series to another level. Newly developed based on the brand's plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the HEV system delivers a uniquely eco-friendly and exhilarating driving experience. 

 

At its core, the newly developed system features EV driving, hybrid driving and regenerative braking, working together to deliver high fuel efficiency and an exhilarating drive by automatically switching to the most optimal driving mode based on driving conditions and battery charge level.

 

Powered by the best of all worlds

When starting and at low speeds, the vehicle’s electric motor is powered by the drive battery alone. When driving uphill or accelerating, the system switches to hybrid driving powered by electricity generated by the engine as well as the drive battery. 

 

When driving at high speeds, hybrid driving uses the engine with assistance from the electric motor. During deceleration, kinetic energy is recovered via regenerative braking and converted into electric power, which is then stored in the drive battery. 

 

This HEV system makes it possible to enjoy the quiet, clean ride of an EV with no fuel consumption or CO2 emissions for short drives, and switch to the convenient, comfortable ride of an HEV for long drives without anxiety about battery charge.

 

The new HEV system combines a generator and a motor with a maximum output of 85 kW, with a 1.6L gasoline engine, as well as a dedicated drive battery developed specifically for the Xpander HEV. This allows torque to kicks in swiftly when starting and accelerating, helping drivers smoothly change lanes on highways and merge after U-turns on city streets.

 

Atkinson cycle

The newly developed 1.6 L DOHC 16-valve MIVEC4 engine adopts a high expansion ratio cycle (Atkinson cycle) to achieve better fuel combustion efficiency while also incorporating the first ever electric water pump in a Mitsubishi engine to reduce mechanical loss. Overall, this improves fuel economy by around 10% compared to CVT models while also improving the fuel consumption by approximately 34% in urban driving according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test, and approximately 15% in urban and extra-urban driving combined. 

 

General Automotive Company (GAC) in the authorised dealership for Mitsubishi Motors in Oman, with showrooms across the nation in Muscat, Mabelah, Barka, Sohar, Nizwa, Ibri, Sur, Jalal Bani Bu Ali, and Salalah.--TradeArabia News Service