Tokyo '09: Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept gets 118mpg

Highlighting Mitsubishi's efforts to catch up to its domestic rivals in hybrid technology at this year's Tokyo Show is the PX-MiEV, a compact sized four-wheel drive crossover fitted with a 1.6-liter petrol engine and two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear. At low to medium speeds the PX-MiEV can rely on the front and if necessary, the rear electric motor also to motivate the vehicle. At higher speeds the gasoline engine, which is also used to generate electricity for the electric motors, kicks in to help power the crossover.

The PC-MiEV is equipped with battery pack that can be replenished through regenerative breaking, the gasoline engine, a regular household plug or a high-power quick-charging station. In electric-only mode, the PX-MiEV has a range of 30 miles or about 50km.

The Japanese firm said that the PX-MiEV is good for 117.6mpg US which come to around 2.0 lt/100km or 141mpg UK.

All Photos Shot by our Tokyo Motor Show man Phil Alex