Hasenphever wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:38 am
So far I've concluded that the presence of a transmission is more efficient in transferring power than the ICE acting as a generator for the battery and then transferring to the motor(s). The presence of a transmission also aids the RAV4 PHEV in the ability to go into parallel mode more often than the Outlander PHEV, widening the gap in the delta between PHEV and ICE on the respective platforms.
The focus of these vehicles is totally different. Hence the different fuel economy figures.
Toyota is electrifying a gas-powered vehicle by making it more sustainable.
Mitsubishi is building an electric vehicle with a gas-powered generator on board.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is more efficient, it's also smaller and lighter, and well, faster from 0 to 100 km.
I'm worried Toyota might have issues with the RAV4 Prime batteries when they start aging if their consumers travel a lot with depleted batteries, because of the constant on and off of the ICE thanks to the eCVT. Not blaming the eCVT, I think it's a great concept, it's the batteries that need to improve and catch up.
I have tested the Toyota RAV4 Prime and liked it, apart from the fact it spins the front wheels when you press hard on the gas pedal. Its price and almost 2 years waiting list are what pulled me off. But it's over 300 horsepower and takes around 5 seconds to 100 km/h so that's part of the deal.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (the new one) is more prominent, it's a seven-seater, has much better 4WD/AWD capabilities, and looks way more luxurious and premium inside than the industrial looks of the RAV4 Prime. The interior of the Outlander is quieter and the car's behavior is more predictable. It's a great family car. It's also a serious improvement compared to the last-generation Outlander PHEV.
In the end, it's up to the users. I think both cars are steps in the right direction.
One last thing to keep in mind, Mitsubishi are purposely putting worse fuel economy figures than the actuals because of their past history with issues where they reported economy features that were hard to achieve. There were lawsuits and serious fines, so they are making sure they won't get there again. Or, well, Nissan is making sure.