How fast is it to one hundred? A really often asked question in the parking lots of the republic and especially during conversations at the regular's table. Somehow, everyone wants to capture the performance, power, and driving pleasure of the bare measurements of traditional acceleration measurement. The driving pleasure of a PHEV is completely different.
The power of the three hearts
To understand the purpose of the Outlander PHEV, one must understand how the drive works. Basically, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid is powered by electric motors. Only from a speed of 64 km / h can the gasoline engine take part directly in the propulsion via a wet multi-plate clutch. In general, however, the propulsion takes place at any time via the electric motors. In the Outlander PHEV, you benefit from the spontaneity of the drive train, especially for stop & go operations and slow journeys. An electric motor has instant torque, does not have to be brought up to speed and does not require any gear changes. An electric drive has all its advantages, especially in the lower speed range.
The 121 PS petrol engine is the energy supplier for the electric motors and can be used efficiently only at higher speeds. The fact that the petrol engine switches from about 64 km / h to the front axle, corresponds to the operation in fifth gear. The principle is that the higher the gear, the more efficient. The Mitsubishi technicians have therefore used an ingenious tricks and combine the strengths of the respective techniques. Gasoline engine as soon as you can reduce the speed meaningful and electric motors for powerful operation. But is it powerful? That's the Stammtisch question.
Silent and emission free
First of all, you have to adhere: The clever idea of the combined drive train, the combination of two strengths of very different technologies, ensures - especially if you concentrate on the battery operation and the constant charging of the battery, for every possibility local emission-free operation. The more electricity, the more sensible. So the simple principle. Although you should always concentrate on green electricity, or have your own PV system on the roof. If you do that, you'll drive more ecologically. But more powerful?
Butter with the fish
Reputable car test magazines have clocked the Outlander PHEV from 11.0 to 0 with a time of 100 seconds. The even more important value for the acceleration from 60 to 100 km/h is given as 5.6 seconds. For me personally, 60-100 is the more important value; it represents the typical country road overtaking situation behind a truck. In addition, the pulling power in everyday life, i.e. from just above city speed to country road speed, is much more what you would describe as “power ” felt. Zero to one hundred is quite rare in everyday life.
But 11.0 on 100 hundred? That's slow. Or? Or!
It is definitely faster than its diesel brother with a 2.2 liter engine, 150 hp, all-wheel drive and automatic. However, the pulling from 60 to 100 km / h is more impressive. Here the PHEV was measured with a time of 5.9 seconds. For comparison, a Kia Sportage or a Volkswagen Tiguan with 140 HP diesel engine takes 7.7 to 11.9 seconds, depending on the gear in which you accelerate.
So to make it very short: The next time someone wants to tell you: Such an Outlander PHEV is too slow, they smile - because the person they are talking to has no idea. If he had any idea, he would a) not focus on these regulars' topics and b) he would know what it means to be able to use the power of electric motors in everyday life!