Mitsubishi PX-Miev
We all know that SUVs and, increasingly, CUVs have a bad rep when it comes down to fuel consumption and pollution. To a certain extent, hybrid SUVs and CUVs have soften the people's opinion of these vehicles but what if it came powered by a pair of electric motors and used an internal combustion engine as a generator much like the Volt... would that make it OK? Would its size matter?
Mitsubishi seems to think that it is OK. PX-Miev, PX for plug-in hybrid crossover and MiEV for, Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, is actually a few things for Mitsubishi. This concept previews a new design language for the Japanese carmaker as well as serve as a showcase for new technologies that could find their way in future production vehicles.
The PX combines both series and parallel hybrid systems. In other words, the PX-MiEV concept is motivated by the electric motors at slow speeds. Once the charge in the batteries is depleted, the 1.6L 4-cylinder gas engine recharges the energy storage tanks. The interesting part is that it can also provide extra propulsion at higher speeds.
Under normal driving conditions, the PX relies on the front wheels to provide traction. The rear electric engine kicks in when needed, essentially under slippery or high load situations. Again, in typical situations, the vehicle can travel up to 30 miles in pure EV mode after which, the gas engine does its jobs.
Lastly, the PX-Miev Concept was also conceived with passenger comfort in mind. The cabin environment was developed with a "Clean, Stress-free and Safe & Reassuring" theme according to Mitsubishi. For example, one trick is the seat upholstery that deactivates allergens, breaks down VOC's (volatile organic compounds) and offensive odour molecules as well as killing bacteria. If you suffer from allergies and are environmentally conscious, this could be the vehicle for you.
photo:Philippe Champoux
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We all know that SUVs and, increasingly, CUVs have a bad rep when it comes down to fuel consumption and pollution. To a certain extent, hybrid SUVs and CUVs have soften the people's opinion of these vehicles but what if it came powered by a pair of electric motors and used an internal combustion engine as a generator much like the Volt... would that make it OK? Would its size matter?
Mitsubishi seems to think that it is OK. PX-Miev, PX for plug-in hybrid crossover and MiEV for, Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, is actually a few things for Mitsubishi. This concept previews a new design language for the Japanese carmaker as well as serve as a showcase for new technologies that could find their way in future production vehicles.
The PX combines both series and parallel hybrid systems. In other words, the PX-MiEV concept is motivated by the electric motors at slow speeds. Once the charge in the batteries is depleted, the 1.6L 4-cylinder gas engine recharges the energy storage tanks. The interesting part is that it can also provide extra propulsion at higher speeds.
Under normal driving conditions, the PX relies on the front wheels to provide traction. The rear electric engine kicks in when needed, essentially under slippery or high load situations. Again, in typical situations, the vehicle can travel up to 30 miles in pure EV mode after which, the gas engine does its jobs.
Lastly, the PX-Miev Concept was also conceived with passenger comfort in mind. The cabin environment was developed with a "Clean, Stress-free and Safe & Reassuring" theme according to Mitsubishi. For example, one trick is the seat upholstery that deactivates allergens, breaks down VOC's (volatile organic compounds) and offensive odour molecules as well as killing bacteria. If you suffer from allergies and are environmentally conscious, this could be the vehicle for you.
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photo:Philippe Champoux
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