Why does the plug-in Outlander have a gasoline engine and two electric motors?
To increase efficiency, the Outlander PHEV was designed from the ground up as a plug-in hybrid with a petrol engine and two smaller electric motors, making it 100% suitable for everyday use. Even for long-distance journeys. The electric motors on the front and rear axles act independently of each other, so there is no need for a cardan shaft or a conventional gearbox. In this way, energy is saved and a flexible and agile all-wheel drive is implemented.
Why does the Outlander still have a gasoline engine?
Electric vehicles without an additional petrol engine are dependent on charging stations, which unfortunately are currently not really available. Here the infrastructure is still under construction. That is why the Outlander with its gasoline engine offers a big advantage over other hybrid models. It has a long-distance capability of up to 800 km and thus enables continuous driving pleasure without the hassle of searching for a charging station. And it was also the first plug-in hybrid in the SUV vehicle segment.
What sets the Plug-In Hybrid Outlander apart from a normal hybrid?
- The achievable ranges on the road
- Independence from a charging infrastructure
These two points are the fundamental differences between the Outlander with plug-in hybrid and normal hybrid vehicles. The plug-in hybrid can be charged by cable at any standard household socket as well as at public charging stations as well as at secured sockets and at fast charging stations. If no professional charging station is available at the moment, there are definitely alternatives to normal sockets. This is especially true at vacation spots or with friends who don't have a wallbox. Here, however, a charge takes significantly longer than at a ChaDemo fast charging station.
Attention: For hotels ask better in advance, if it is allowed to charge the vehicle. The same is true at the workplace. Because not everyone wants to give their electricity for free. However, there are now many companies that offer "electric petrol stations" specifically as customer service. Often these are then even completely free or included in the parking fees.
In addition to the two electric motors Outlander still has the gasoline engine that drives directly the front axle. Those who combine gasoline and battery as efficiently and sensibly as possible can reach about 800 km without refueling. This value is based on the official NEDC test results. Basically, it is important to know: The more electricity can be fueled, the further you get in the overall view.
The biggest advantage of the plug-in variant:
As already mentioned, the Hybrid Outlander can be charged wherever there is a standard socket. Likewise at the public charging stations or at special ChaDeMo fast charging columns. And if there is no socket, you just use the hybrid system and continue with the classic gasoline variant.
Zero emission even on longer trips
The Outlander achieved, like most hybrid cars too, a purely electric driving style. In the case of the Outlander PHEV it is up to 52 km. This is very convenient especially on the way to work, as only a small part of the Germans have more than 50 km to get there. Anyone who can hang the PHEV back to the charging station will make everyday life completely without CO2 emissions. Of course, this calculation only applies if the workplace has a charging station. Otherwise, there are still around 25 km, which you can commute emission-free as Outlander PHEV driver.