Gas 2.0

At the 2009 LA Auto Show, Mitsubishi’s President, Osamu Masuko, debuted the PX-MiEV concept in North America, saying the SUV “matches the needs of the North American market” and the company plans to “revamp the vehicle for release in North America by the year 2013.”

The PX-MiEV is a mid-sized SUV concept the Mitsubishi initially debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show. The PX-MiEV uses an innovative system that relies on 2 electric motors—one on each axle—which act as the primary sources of propulsion for the vehicle. At low to “medium” speeds, the PX-MiEV runs on battery power alone, with only the front axle electric motor providing propulsion. When conditions get slick or icy outside, the PX-MiEV also powers up the rear electric motor to provide 4 wheel drive and enhanced traction.

When the battery power is depleted at low speeds, the gas engine turns on and acts as a generator to provide electricity to the batteries. In this mode, the car can also choose between using one or both electric motors to provide extra traction when needed.

At higher speeds, the gas engine functions in the same way it would in a parallel hybrid such as a Prius, providing an additional source of propulsion to the front wheels. However, unlike the Prius the PX-MiEV can also use the rear electric motor at high speeds to provide additional traction.

The SUV is also set up to operate as a back up power supply for your house, providing electricity to power your household appliances from the battery store and then turning on the gas engine to act as a power generator after the available battery supply has diminished. Mitsubishi also touts the vehicle’s ability to power equipment during camping trips.

Image Credits: Nick Chambers

You Might Also Like

• Volt Can Use California’s HOV Lanes… In 2012
• Green is the New Fast, Part 2: Maybach Lives!
• Cancelled Plug-In Hybrid Ram Pickup Caught Testing In Desert
• Video: Fisker Karma Brings Its Sexy Back