History Of Mitsubishi PHEV & Electric Vehicles

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The Mitsubishi PHEV and electric vehicle history is impressive. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV led the way for the mass production of electric vehicles, having debuted for public sale more than a decade ago. The company has continued to innovate in the space since then, primarily with the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. Now, Mitsubishi is poised to continue leading the way into our collective electric future with its recently revealed all-electric SUV concept car.

The Trailblazing Mitsubishi Electric Car

As we noted above, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV was a trailblazing electric vehicle that was sold all over the world. It helped introduce the use of lithium-ion batteries to the automotive industry and provided important breakthroughs in charging technology.

The Mitsubishi electric car was sold in the United States until 2017 and in other parts of the world until just a couple of years ago. This was a remarkably long production run for a car that was in many ways the first of its kind — a testament to the pioneering spirit of Mitsubishi. You can still find these vehicles for sale on our continent, as they were built well and last a long time.

Mitsubishi PHEV Innovations

After leading the way in the all-electric car segment, Mitsubishi set its sights on the plug-in hybrid vehicle category. Long before most manufacturers had begun designing plug-in hybrid cars, the company debuted the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combine battery-and-motor systems with traditional internal combustion engines and sophisticated engineering to drive efficiently.

This Mitsubishi PHEV was initially based on the third generation of the SUV, but with the debut of the fourth generation of the car in 2021, it has received a variety of upgrades. The current Mitsubishi Outlander is a very impressive vehicle. It uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors that generate a total of 221 horsepower. It gets an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe combined.¹ The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers high fuel efficiency that will help you and your family stretch the monthly budget. Check out a Mitsubishi Outlander for sale today.

The Electric Future of Mitsubishi

The Japanese automotive manufacturer recently teased their Airtrek concept vehicle to the world. This car promises to be an all-electric SUV that marks a huge step for the company that introduced the mass-produced electric car.

This new Mitsubishi electric car looks sleek with a grille surrounded by chrome, sporty headlights, and a beautifully curved body. As the vehicle will offer an impressive driving range, you'll be able to run errands all over town or even leave the state without having to stop for juice.

We are not sure when to expect the Airtrek or what its final name will be. Stay tuned for more information about the new Mitsubishi electric vehicle. We hope that you're as excited as we are about it.

Mitsubishi and Electric Cars

We hope that you have enjoyed our explanation of the Mitsubishi PHEV and electric vehicle history. The company deserves significant credit for introducing mass-produced electric vehicles to the world and refining the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle class with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. If you're interested in any of these cars or the rest of the Mitsubishi lineup, then we invite you to browse our vast inventory to find a new Mitsubishi for sale perfect for you.

As a premier Mitsubishi dealer near Charlotte, NC, we offer superb service and competitive financing. Our team will welcome you to our dealership with a warm smile. We can help you find the vehicle of your dreams. Call us today about a test drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Mitsubishi made an electric car?

Mitsubishi created the first mass-produced highway-capable electric vehicle. The introduction of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV helped introduce several electric car innovations, including lithium-ion battery packs and significant advances in charging technology, that form the basis for the current wave of electric vehicle sales today.

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander an electric car?

The Mitsubishi Outlander is available as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). Its powertrain automatically switches between traditional fuel and electric power, outputting outstanding efficiency of up to an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe.¹ The vehicle is powered exclusively by its twin electric motors when you use its EV mode, with energy solely sourced from the lithium-ion battery pack.

What is the Outlander PHEV?

The Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is an SUV that uses a traditional internal combustion engine and a battery-and-motor system. It toggles between these two power sources to drive incredibly efficiently without sacrificing power and dynamic handling. It will serve you well as a family vehicle or a weekend cruiser for many miles. Visit us today to find out why.

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¹EPA highway mileage estimate for (Outlander PHEV SEL, S-AWC). Combined fuel economy Electricity + Gasoline. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.