With the explosion of the dual-load cab segment in Australia and the threat of an impending end of internal combustion engine vehicle sales overseas over the next decade, car brands are looking to sustainable technologies to keep commercial segments growing.
Ford has confirmed a hybrid version of the Rangerwhile Mitsubishi focuses on PHEV similarly pointed out earliersays a Triton plug-in might work well for suburban deals in particular.
Talking to CarExpert recently Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid LaunchedOutlander Chief Engineer, Kentaro Honda, reminds us that everything is on the table at the moment for the next generation Triton – its diesel version. will premiere in early 2023.
THAN: 2023 Mitsubishi Triton, what we know
“Our strategy or concept for PHEVs is suitable for C or D segment SUVs and perhaps also for small cars,” said Honda-san.
“But, plug-ins [hybrid] EVs are better for SUVs or trucks, and can be based on hybrids…Basic components [for a truck] can use both PHEV or hybrid. “
Honda-san went on to say that Mitsubishi is currently working on which applications will work best for the Triton – that is, a full PHEV, or a conventional hybrid that uses similar components but has a smaller battery.
Mitsubishi leads the plug-in hybrid strategy of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, so it is likely that any plug-in hybrid technology developed for the Triton will be carried over. Nissan Navarawill share the platform with Triton for its next generation.
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Triton next generation test
“There’s a lot of technology, hybrid technology, and our concept is basically based on the PHEV system, we can modify it to be hybrid, so it’s very different from, say, Toyota or other European brands,” confirmed Honda-san.
One of the biggest challenges with implementing a plug-in hybrid powertrain for a dual-cab is the amount of battery and engine added to the vehicle’s total mass.
Every kilogram added to the total mass can affect everything from carrying capacity to towing and payload capacity, so there is every possibility that brands will follow the path of hybrid or hybrid technology. light before they dive into electric or plug-in hybrid technology. .
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Artist: Josh Byrnes
Honda-san’s comments follow comments from Mitsubishi Australia’s head of product strategy, Owen Thomson, telling CarExpert last year.
“It’s clear that at some point during this decade there will be all forms of electrification of the utes, it’s just a matter of what form it will take and when it will happen,” he said.
“It has been considered since day one of the Triton plan.”
The plug-in hybrid provides everyday EV power with internal combustion engine redundancy for longer trips, while the integrated battery facilitates charging the vehicle to the grid and could theoretically power other vehicles. tools and other equipment on board.
Mr. Thomson adds: “Different user groups can take advantage of it, but for other user groups it can be a disadvantage, especially given the customer base and segmentation benefits of buyers through Australia”.
“The electrification of a pickup truck is a very interesting question.”
Mitsubishi says PHEV is an important gateway for wider adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Australian market.
THAN: 2023 Mitsubishi Triton, what we know
THAN: Australia’s role in the development of the Mitsubishi Triton 2023
