As far as plug-in cars go, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) has to be one of the most important vehicles making its debut this year at the Paris Auto Show. 

The first vehicle to launch under Mitsubishi’s ambitious goals to offer plug-in hybrid or all-electric versions of every car it sells within 4 years, the 2013 Outlander PHEV is the plug-in hybrid variant of Mitsubishi’s popular crossover SUV.

It will be offered for sale starting in 2013 alongside an internal-combustion engine version of the same vehicle. 

Due to launch in Japan early next year, followed by a slow global rollout in Europe and North America, the Outlander PHEV has two, 60-kilowatt electric motors, one driving each axle. 

In all-electric mode, it can drive for around 20 miles on a full charge from its 12 kilowatt-hour battery pack.

 

When the battery pack is depleted, or extra power is required, a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine can operate in range-extender mode, powering a 70-kilowatt electric generator. Alternatively, it can drive the front wheels directly. 

Built to compete directly with cars like the Lexus RX450 and other luxury crossover vehicles, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will be the first plug-in hybrid SUV to hit the market.

There’s no details on pricing or launch schedule yet, but given what we know so far, would you want one? 

Take a look at our live Outlander PHEV gallery, and let us know your thoughts in the Comments below.

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