Plug-in hybrid confirmed for new Mitsubishi Triton

A senior Mitsubishi engineer has confirmed an all-new petrol-electric plug-in hybrid system is under development for the freshly overhauled Triton ute using tech already employed by Jeep and Land Rover.

But in the same interview Mitsubishi Motors engineering fellow Kaoru Sawase has forecast a pure battery-electric powertrain for Triton is at least five years away.

The new PHEV system, which does not yet have an official production launch date, bears no relation to the existing set-up employed by models such as the Mitsubishi Outlander medium SUV, which is designed for vehicles with transverse engines and light-duty off-road demands.

Instead it has more in common with the ‘P2’ PHEV system employed by Jeep’s 4Xe models and Land Rover/Range Rover plug-ins.

The P2 set-up incorporates a 48-volt electric traction motor and related tech as a module between an existing engine and transmission, and allows pure electric driving via a disconnect clutch.

It can be used with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems.

Mitsubishi execs have previously stated a hybrid Triton would be a likely first launch option because its smaller battery would be easier to fit within the ladder frame than a PHEV battery.

“Mitsubishi Motors are researching and developing such a [P2 PHEV] system, but at this moment launching time is not decided yet,” Sawase told carsales at last week’s Japan Mobility Show.

No doubt, the system would also be employed by the next generation of Triton’s SUV spin-off, the Pajero Sport, and potentially a reborn Pajero.

Mitsubishi’s alliance partners Nissan and Renault might also want to access the system. In Tokyo last week Nissan global product chief Ivan Espinosa made clear the next Navara ute due in 2025 might employ such tech.

Sawase, who is responsible within Mitsubishi for advanced engineering including 4x4 systems, said his involvement with Triton revolved around “driving performance”.

The new Triton launches in Australia in February 2024 with an updated 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine.

But the expectation is tightening emissions regulations will force it to adopt electrification within its (approximate) 10-year lifespan.

A plug-in hybrid BYD dual-cab ute goes on sale in Australia in late 2024 and a Ford Ranger PHEV has been announced for 2025, while the next-gen Toyota HiLux due in 2025 will eventually offer a hybrid powertrain.

Sawase explained the use of the P2 modular design reflects the need for a PHEV system employed by Triton and other 4x4s to have more off-road capability including low-range transmissions.

“Up to this moment our PHEV technology is transverse powertrain design, based on a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive,” he said.

“The Triton is a longitudinal powertrain design and also when comparing the Outlander and the Triton the expected off-road capability level is pretty different.”

“So basically in order to have an off-road capable vehicle with the current PHEV technology in a Triton-type powertrain a completely different type is needed, different from Outlander.

“For example, Land Rover or Jeep using P2-type; that means engine and e-machine and transmission transfer case and conventional 4WD system.

“Mitsubishi must develop a completely new powertrain.”

Sawase and a Mitsubishi spokesman accompanying him confirmed a diesel plug-in hybrid had been investigated and rejected because of cost, even though Mitsubishi 4x4 customers would prefer it.

“We totally understand that we have much demands from our core for PHEV with a diesel engine, however, cost-wise that’s impossible,” the spokesman explained.

“Also when we explore the markets, petrol is much more easy to introduce to many markets. Diesel is unfortunately now harder to get into markets, this is why… management reason, business reason… petrol makes sense.”

While Sawase made it clear Mitsubishi was confident of delivering a Triton PHEV, a pure battery-electric version was problematic for some years yet.

“In the future we must improve the performance of the e-machine,” he said.

“Current e-machine spec is peak power is very high, but continuously power is low. In order to drive off-road, for example on sand or mud, or for driving distances that are very high, in that case we need a continuous output.

“With current e-machine technology, that is limited point. But maybe in five or something years or so, maybe continuously power of e-machine will improve.”

Despite Sawase’s pessimism, full-size electric utes have already launched or are coming from a bevy of car-makers including Ford, Tesla, Chevrolet, RAM, newcomer Rivian and more.

And Kia is expected to release an all-electric version of its first ute, the 2025 Kia ‘Tasman’, in 2026.

In March this year Mitsubishi teased a “BEV pickup” for 2028.

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