The PHEV and EV expansion in New Zealand is a government priority.
Making its debut down under some 8 months after starting sale in its home market of Japan, the Eclipse Cross PHEV is set to be the second electrified Mitsubishi model over there. Joining its larger Outlander PHEV sibling, which is incidentally the best selling EV in New Zealand’s history.
The electrified drivetrain comes from its older and larger sibling, the Outlander PHEV. A 2.4-liter petrol engine with 72 kW / 82 PS and two electric motors, one at the front with 60 kW / 82 PS and one at the rear with 70 kW / 95 PS – together this results in a system output of 138 kW / 188 PS. When driving fast fast, the car is powered directly by the petrol engine. Otherwise, the electric motors take over and are only supported when needed, which simultaneously produces energy for the battery as a generator.
This PHEV can drive on pure electric mode up to 61 kilometres which is easily activated at the push of a button. The Eclipse Cross manages up to 135km/h in electric mode. The petrol engine can reach a top speed of 162km/h. The sprint to 100km/h from standstill is done in 10.9 seconds and, according to Mitsubishi, the combined consumption is 1.7 litres of petrol (according to NEDC measurements) and 19.3 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of just 39g/km.
Using a wall box or public charging stations, the battery can be charged in around four hours. The energy released when braking, coasting or driving downhill provides additional range, which is recovered via recuperation and stored in the battery. The level of recuperation can be determined using shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Another highlight of this comparatively large battery pack (for a PHEV) is its ability to be ‘used as a reliable source of electricity in an emergency, as it can supply power to a general household for up to 10 days via the Vehicle-to-Home system when the vehicle is fully charged and fuelled’.
Further details regarding the final specs and prices for the Eclipse Cross PHEV launching down under will be known when it officially arrives in New Zealand on the 1st of June, with the Australian launch happening a month after that. A conservative estimate on the pricing however is to be around $45,000 (RM144,000) to $50,000 (RM160,000), which is similar to what the plug-in hybrid Hyundai Ioniq and MG HS are retailing down under.
In terms of a Malaysian debut meanwhile, it is unfortunately hard to see the Eclipse Cross PHEV arriving anytime soon. There could be a case for the petrol-powered variant to be introduced here though, with the chances that the first plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi landing over here possibly being the recently teased Xpander PHEV instead.
PRESS RELEASE: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that the Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model will launch in New Zealand on June 1, with the launch in Australia to follow in July. The addition of the Eclipse Cross PHEV model to the lineup reflects Mitsubishi Motors’ continued commitment to contributing to the development of a sustainable society by promoting electrification focusing on plug-in hybrids.
The second plug-in hybrid in the Mitsubishi Motors’ line-up, the Eclipse Cross PHEV model incorporates the twin-motor 4WD system from the Outlander PHEV and offers a quiet, smooth yet powerful acceleration unique to electric vehicles, as well as a sporty driving experience. Combined with the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the vehicle delivers stable handling and precise control, giving drivers confidence to conquer on-road conditions with ease. The traction battery can also be used as a reliable source of electricity in an emergency, as it can supply power to a general household for up to 10 days via the Vehicle-to-Home system when the vehicle is fully charged and fuelled.
“Our plug-in hybrid technology has been highly acclaimed in New Zealand, where the Outlander PHEV is the best-selling new plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle in the market’s automotive history,” said Yoichiro Yatabe, executive vice president of MMC. “In addition to eco-friendly performance, the Eclipse Cross PHEV model allows nimble yet stable handling with peace of mind and is already well-received in Japan and Europe. We are confident that it will offer an enjoyable driving experience to the customers in New Zealand and Australia.”
The Eclipse Cross debuted in Europe in 2017 as Mitsubishi Motors’ global strategic model. It has been rolled out to more than 100 countries across the world, with cumulative sales volume reaching around 273,000 units. The redesigned Eclipse Cross gasoline model was first introduced in Australia and New Zealand in November 2020, followed by the launch of the gasoline and PHEV models in Japan in December and the launch of the PHEV model in Europe in February 2021.
