Hybrid Technology Surgery on Mitsubishi Xpander HEV 2024, Has 7 Drive Modes
The Mitsubishi Xpander HEV 2024 and Xpander Cross HEV 2024 have just made their debut in Thailand. As the name suggests, this is the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) version of the Mitsubishi Xpander and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross.
However, unlike the petrol engine version which is produced in Indonesia and exported to Thailand, the Mitsubishi Xpander HEV 2024 and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross HEV 2024 are assembled at the Laem Chabang Plant, owned by Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
"This new level of the Xpander Series was developed based on Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) technology to provide environmentally friendly technology and a fun and unique driving experience for an electric vehicle," wrote Mitsubishi Thailand's official statement, Thursday (1/02/2024 ).
It was also explained in the press release that Mitsubishi Thailand would continue to sell the Xpander and Xpander Cross with pure petrol engines. So what's different about the 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander HEV compared to the petrol engine version? Come on, read this article until the end to find out more details.
The exterior is only slightly different
If you take a glance at the photos in this article, maybe you will immediately judge, What's the Difference? Don't worry, because these are two separate models, each still has differentiation, even though the differences are quite slight.
You can see that starting from the front fascia, the Xpander hybrid still maintains the Advanced Dynamic Shield style which is similar to the petrol version. Likewise, the design of the LED Daytime Running Light (DRL), the main lights with T-Shape LEDs, the design of the bumper and grille, and even the position of the fog lamps are still maintained in the same place.
It's just that for the hybrid variant, the "HEV" logo is placed on the front grille, and there is a slight blue accent on the under guard of the front bumper which is not present on the petrol engine version. Continuing to the side, this straight blue line accent is also found on the sideskirt and also a little on the rims, although in general the wheel design remains the same.
Meanwhile at the rear, the LED Rear Combination Lamp design is still T-Shape, and is also equipped with a rear upper spoiler complete with High-Mount Stop Lamp.
2024 Mitsubishi Xpander HEV Interior Gets Upgrade
If from the outside the only changes are blue accents and the HEV emblem, then for the interior, more components have been replaced. At first glance, the dashboard layout remains the same, as does the steering wheel model installed.
This also applies to the seat design, as well as the combination of cabin color themes between the Thai version of the Xpander and the Xpander HEV, namely a combination of black and dark brown. However, in this area there are several components that were actually composed by Mitsubishi Motors.
Starting from the meter cluster on the driver's side which now uses an 8 inch LCD which is fully digital, no longer a 4.2 inch FTF monitor. Another thing that is different is the Electric Shift design as a transmission lever in the car with a more futuristic model.
Meanwhile, for Digital AC, the 9 inch monitor head unit which has Apple Carplay and Android Auto is still maintained on the Xpander HEV. Likewise, the availability of DC 12V sockets in the first, second and third row seats, as well as seat upholstery with Synthetic Leather with Heat Guard technology is also still installed.
Hybrid Technology Used
The HEV system attached to the Xpander Hybrid was developed using three main components, namely a 1.6-liter petrol engine, battery and electric motor. Mitsubishi claims that the best fuel efficiency can be achieved without hampering driving enjoyment, because the system can automatically switch according to driving conditions and battery level.
When the car starts to accelerate and goes at low speed, the system in the Mitsubishi Xpander HEV will order the battery and electric motor to work. However, when the driver presses the gas pedal deeper to achieve higher speed or when the road is uphill, the system will automatically change to hybrid mode where the electric motor and petrol engine work together.
This hybrid system will continue to work when the driver wants to drive the vehicle at a higher speed, so that the petrol engine power will be supported by power from the motor and battery.When there is a slowdown in speed or deceleration, kinetic energy will create regenerative braking to convert it into electrical power which is then stored in the battery.
With a working system similar to a PHEV car, during initial acceleration, the driver will feel the car driving more smoothly and without sound because only the battery and electric motor are working. Meanwhile, when driven at medium to high speeds, the fuel used can be reduced as much as possible, including the CO2 produced from the exhaust can also be lower because the engine performance is assisted by an electric motor.
Slightly different from PHEV cars, Xpander HEV drivers don't need to worry about running out of electricity in the car's battery and having to bother looking for a charger socket. Because the battery's electrical power is generated independently through a regenerative braking process.
34% More Economical than the Pure Gasoline Engine Version
Apart from being able to produce good fuel efficiency, the 85 kW electric motor combined with a 1.6-liter petrol engine with 95 PS certainly produces better driving pleasure than the pure petrol engine version.
This 1.6L 4A92 engine is a development of the 4A91 engine used in the Mitsubishi Xforce on the gasoline Xpander. Apart from that, Atkinson Cycle technology was added to achieve a higher combustion rate with a compression ratio of up to 14:1.
The combination of this technology makes petrol engines able to save fuel consumption compared to old engines. Meanwhile, based on New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) data, for use in the city, the Xpander Hybrid can be up to 34% more economical, and 15% more economical when used on combined routes.
Has 7 Drive Modes
Yes, you read that right, the Mitsubishi Xpander HEV 2024 does have seven driving modes, divided into 2 Drive Modes for EV and 5 Drive Modes to deal with various road conditions. In the first two modes, the driver can choose which one suits the current road situation.
EV Priority mode will order the system to turn off engine performance and let the electric motor and battery drive the wheels. In this mode, you will get the sensation of driving a full electric car.
If the battery indicator on the cluster meter looks like it is about to run out, the driver can switch to Charge mode. In this condition, the regenerative braking system will be activated so that the electric power in the battery can be fully charged again.
The other five Drive Modes are Normal, Tarmac (when facing winding roads), Gravel (when encountering gravel roads), Mud (for muddy or slippery roads), and Wet (when driving in heavy rain).
