Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept (2013)

Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept

Ever since it started R&D on electro-mobility back in 1966, today's Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) always considered that electric vehicles (EV) should 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, one of which is the cutting edge GR-HEV Concept Sport Utility Hybrid Truck.

Going Hybrid

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 runabouts to big SUVs, each using a dedicated application of the technology (EV, HEV or PHEV)

In this respect, New Outlander PHEV has already proved that EV powertrain and long-haul D-Segment crossover 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 GR-HEV Concept, Mitsubishi Motors' inaugural take at Hybrid (HEV) technology, applied for the first time to a Mitsubishi one-tonne pickup truck, a format very much in demand in emerging markets and a Mitsubishi export best-seller, starting with Europe, its number one market (with over 615,000 units, out of the 1.42 million units exported from MMTh between 1992 and 2012).

Below 149 g/km

With this evocation of a possible next "Dual Design" vehicle, Mitsubishi Motors introduces an all-new proprietary HEV solution, featuring a 2.5 litre Mitsubishi Clean Diesel engine and a front-mounted electric motor, mated to an automatic gearbox - all controlled by an electronic operating system - as well as a battery pack located (and protected) within the ladder frame - further protection being provided by cross guard bars.

Simpler and more affordable than either EV and PHEV, HEV is deemed best suited to the heavy-duty daily requirements of pickup truck users and a perfect vector for MMC's green ambitions all the way to the most remote corners of the planet with an ambitious target for CO2 emissions below 149 g/km - far better than segment average.

Beyond this specific one-ton pickup application, the addition of an electric motor to a Diesel engine brings further benefits:

• Instant response from the electric motor boosts Diesel engine accelerations.
• The motor also increases high-end torque of the Diesel engine.
• Quieter accelerations and high-speed cruising (within legal limits).
• Cleaner Diesel emissions.

This combination can also provide pure electric power on demand with available AC supply (100V～240V), to replace a generator or to allow the use of a 100V winch for instance, as well as the ability to drive over short distances in pure-electric mode.

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