UPDATE: Triton PHEV confirmed; Full EV also possible
Mitsubishi has confirmed the report below and revealed that it is not only developing a plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Triton but only one fully electric version is also explored.
Speaking to 4X4 at the Australian launch of the Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi’s lead engineer for the new SUV, Kentaro Honda, said the brand wanted to build on Ford’s success with the electric F-150 Lightning. .
“Because we have a PHEV system [in the Outlander] we can transfer it to an EV truck or a hybrid pickup, so we are now looking at how to adapt our PHEV system to a truck-type pickup, yes,” he said. “And the Ford Lightning has an EV, that’s a good benchmark so we’re also looking at some type of EV truck.”
Mr Honda wouldn’t be keen on when an electric Triton might hit the market, saying “I don’t have a good answer for you right now” – but he explained that Mitsubishi’s role in the alliance Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi would play a vital role.
“The Alliance has a passenger electric vehicle, so I think Mitsubishi should have a truck-type or hybrid-type electric vehicle,” he said.
Mitsubishi Australia boss Shaun Westcott has also backed a hybrid version of the next-generation Triton, saying the technology offers much more to crew-cab owners than just fuel economy.
“I believe this is the future,” he said. “And personally, I think it’s one of the best options given where our vehicles are used. We have a very strong rural and provincial base, and given the time it will take to recharge the infrastructure to reach remote and rural Australia, we believe that some form of hybrid – whether hybrid or PHEV, whatever – is probably the right way to go for these vehicles.
“And we can already see in our Outlander the wider benefits [of plug-in powertrains]. They can be used to plug in tools, grinders, or all sorts of things, so that’s the way to go.
Alex Inwood
The story here
July 26: Rumored Triton PHEV
Instantaneous
- Next-gen Mitsubishi Triton reportedly gets hybrid option
- Expected to be a modified version of the Outlander PHEV powertrain
- Launch likely in Australia by end of 2024
The sixth generation 2023 Mitsubishi Triton will become Australia’s first electrified double-cabin ute, according to a new report.
Japanese edition Spyder7 reports that a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the next-generation Triton ute will debut next year, adopting a modified version of the powertrain found in the soon-to-launch Outlander PHEV.
Traditional diesel and gasoline engines will continue to be offered for competitors Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50 and Nissan Navara, among others.
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The mid-size Outlander PHEV features a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine producing 98 kW, combined with 85 kW front and 100 kW rear electric motors, with a total system output of 185kW and 450Nm.
For reference, the 2.4-litre diesel engine found in the current Triton and Pajero Sport has 133kW and 430Nm, while its top-selling competitors struggle to break the 500Nm barrier.
Power in the Outlander is backed by a 20 kWh battery – up from 13.8 kWh in the previous model – delivering a WLTP-rated electric range of 84 kilometres, and a combined fuel economy of 1.5 liters per 100 km.
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Above: Outlander PHEV 2.4-litre gas engine and electrical components
However, the added weight of a body-on-frame utility would likely necessitate changes to maintain similar figures.
Additionally, the plug-in Outlander has a maximum braked towing capacity of 1600 kilograms, which will likely require the development of a more powerful powertrain for the Triton to retain its workhorse capabilities.
The report follows a recent sighting of the next-generation Triton (pictured above and below) during hot weather testing in southern Europe.
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Not much information is known about the specs of the all-new ute, but it is expected to have a longer wheelbase and wider track than the current Triton, which is 5.21m long and 1.82m wide.
However, we do know that it will share its underpinnings with the next generation Nissan Navara, allowing for a potential electrified version of the Nissan.
Mitsubishi is believed to be the lead developer of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s latest global mid-size pick-ups, although the pair’s interior and exterior styling are likely to differ.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Triton is expected to be unveiled later this year or early 2023, before a potential local launch in the second half of next year. The plug-in hybrid variant is expected to follow by the end of 2024.
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