Mitsubishi reveals diesel-electric hybrid and battery-electric concepts at Geneva: GR-HEV and CA-MiEV

5 March 2013

Concept GR-HEV. Click to enlarge.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) unveiled the MITSUBISHI Concept GR-HEV (Grand Runner-HEV) diesel-electric hybrid pickup truck and the MITSUBISHI Concept CA-MiEV (Compact and Advanced-MiEV) concept models at the 83^rd Geneva International Motor Show. The company also showcased the production Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), which is scheduled for release starting this July.

The Concept GR-HEV is a Sport Utility Truck (SUT) concept is equipped with an FR (front-engine, rear-wheel drive)-based diesel-hybrid system comprising a 2.5-liter diesel, automatic gearbox, electric motor and battery (which is located and protected within the ladder frame). The GR-HEV delivers CO₂ emissions levels of 149 g/km or below. The drivetrain is a next-generation 4WD system that combines the Super Select 4WD (SS4) system and the S-AWC system.

The SS4 drive mode system allows the driver to select four drive modes (2H, 4H, 4HL, 4LL). These modes enable the driver to choose levels of higher fuel-efficient driving or more all-terrain performance for rough roads. The S-AWC system provides advanced control for driving and braking force in all four wheels, thereby ensuring that the vehicle responds faithfully to the driver's intent under various driving conditions. A torque control system enables instant motor response, enabling the vehicle to provide both performance and handling.

The vehicle is also fitted with an AC power supply system 100V～240V), eliminating the need for carrying power generators on the vehicle.

Concept CA-MiEV. Click to enlarge.

Concept CA-MiEV: 186-mile range. The Concept CA-MiEV concept car gives an indication of the direction MMC (which launched its i-MiEV in 2009), believes EVs will take in the near future.

The system is fitted with a 28 kWh Li-ion battery pack (compared to the 16 kWh pack in the i-MiEV) and an 80 kW electric motor. The vehicle combines reduction in body weight with improvements in aerodynamic performance (Cd= 0.26), bringing about a cruising range of 300 km (186 miles).

The EV system brings together lightweight EV components in an integrated motor, inverter, and charger module that reduces power losses. It also incorporates a full-time regenerative braking system that improves energy recovery rate, as well as a magnetic resonance wireless charging device that enables convenient charging (developed by WiTricity Corporation, IHI Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and currently under investigation and testing).

The remote-controlled air-conditioning system and management system for charging and discharging can be linked to smartphones or tablet devices. The vehicle is also equipped with a remote tracking function that captures the vehicle’s position using GPS if the vehicle is stolen, and MMC’s ECO-drive Assist which helps the vehicle to adapt to the driving environment.