Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid goes on sale in Thailand today

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has electrified the Xpander and Xpander Cross MPV with the addition of a new version having a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain. The addition of variant with HEV technology – which MMC calls e:MOTION – comes 6 years after the launch of the Xpander in Indonesia. Over 130,000 units have been sold in countries around the ASEAN region, Latin America, the Middle East and other markets.

MMC has long experience in electrification and was the first company to mass-produce a  fully electric vehicle, the i-MiEV, in 2009. Experience gained from that model has been used in the HEV powertrains in some Mitsubishi models which also have plug-in (PHEV) capability.

e:MOTION HEV system
The new HEV system in the Xpander uses a generator and a motor with a maximum output of 85 kW combined with a 1.6-litre MIVEC petrol engine, along with a lithium-ion battery pack developed specifically for the model.

To accommodate the HEV system, the battery pack has been positioned under the floor of the front seats, thereby maintaining the Xpander’s roominess within. The flooring of the engine compartment and around the battery has been changed, and the battery is enclosed by front side members and front crossmember for protection.

These changes also improve body rigidity which, along with special tuning of the suspension, benefits handling and ride.

The engine has a high expansion ratio cycle (Atkinson cycle) to achieve a higher level of combustion efficiency while also incorporating the first electric water pump ever used in a Mitsubishi Motors engine to reduce mechanical loss. This improves the stand-alone fuel economy of the engine by around 10% compared to the petrol engine CVT model while also improving the fuel consumption by approximately 34% in urban driving.

7 drive modes
To optimise performance and grip in all weather and road conditions, there are 7 drive modes the driver can select. These include two modes for pure EV driving and five modes for optimal drive control according to road conditions.

The two EV drive modes consist of the Priority Mode and Charge Mode. In Priority mode, the motor is powered by the battery while the engine does not run at all. It means that no petrol is being used and emissions are zero, while running is very quiet.

Charge Mode is activated when the energy in the battery pack is running low. In this case, the battery pack is recharged while moving. There is no need to look for a charging station for this, making it more convenient for the driver.

The other 5 drive modes deliver optimal handling and driving force according to road conditions, including wet surfaces. Based on a front, two-wheel drive system, various controls are integrated together with the Active Yaw Control controlling the braking force between the left and right front wheels.

Display provides HEV information
The 3-row/7-seat interior has an 8-inch colour LCD display which includes information on HEV operation. The driver can also see energy flows from the battery, motor and engine as well as be aware of the battery energy level. The display can customised to an enhanced mode with an advanced feel or a classic mode which replicates an analogue gauge configuration.

On sale in Thailand from today
The models, produced at MMC’s factory in Thailand, made their global debut and went on sale in the country today at introductory prices starting from 912,000 baht (RM121,300) Exports should follow in due course.

Will it come to Malaysia?
As the Xpander for the Malaysian market is assembled locally (at HICOM Automotive Manufacturers in Pahang), it remains to be seen whether Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will offer this new HEV variant or continue with the combustion engine only, which continues to be available in the range.

Assembling vehicles with HEV powertrains requires additional preparations to ensure safe handling of the high-voltage battery pack which will require some additional expenditure. It may be more cost-effective to import the HEV variants in CBU form, just like the Triton.

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about the Xpander range in Malaysia.

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