EXCLUSIVE: Mitsubishi MD crosses Simpson Desert in PHEV

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has well and truly earned its model name becoming the first plug-in hybrid to cross the Simpson Desert – piloted by Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s managing director, Shaun Westcott.

Departing in late April, the Mitsubishi boss hit the world’s largest parallel dune desert in a pre-production version of the new Outlander PHEV, completing a 3777 kilometre odyssey in eight days with no major incidents to report.

While some regard a plug-in hybrid as synonymous with suburbia, Westcott said he was determined to prove the Outlander PHEV has more all-terrain ability than many might expect.

UPDATE, July 2022: Outlander PHEV pricing announced

Australian pricing and details for the Outlander PHEV have now been revealed. Even better, we've also driven it! Get the full story at the links below.

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“We wanted to prove it also holds true to Mitsubishi’s undisputed adventure DNA,” he said. “What better way to do that than to cross the Simpson Desert?

“The Simpson is the longest parallel sand dune desert in the world, with over 1100 peaks. Beyond that, the remnants of the wet season meant several mud and water crossings were required.

“Like on any adventure, we had some interesting moments, but I’m happy to say the Outlander PHEV met the challenges head-on.”

The adventure started in Adelaide and took Westcott and the plug-in up the Oodnadatta Track, via Port Augusta, to start the attempt at Mount Dare in the desert’s west. From there the adventure led them across the top of the Simpson, crossing the border into Queensland to Birdsville, before returning south to finish in Adelaide via the Birdsville Track.

Other than some extra underbody protection and optional 18-inch wheels, the Outlander was unchanged from the version that’ll be hitting Australian showrooms later this year, and the sight of the apparently unmodified SUV raised a few eyebrows in the bush.

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“We came across several serious off-roaders on our travels, and they couldn’t believe what we were attempting. Their faces when they saw us emerge out the other side proved our point – this vehicle furthers Mitsubishi’s adventure credentials.”

Equipped with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, the Outlander PHEV can function as a regular mild-hybrid once its 20kWh battery is exhausted, offering zero emissions EV characteristics for up to 84km – and as much as 900km when the Atkinson cycle four-cylinder and electrics are working in unison.

Adding to its outdoor lifestyle credentials, the on-board battery can be used to run electrical equipment when away on excursions, including a proper coffee machine, powerful lighting or caravan electrics, for example – far longer and with more power than an auxiliary 12-volt battery.

Speaking before the trip, Westcott said an adventure like the desert crossing might be a little more extreme than many families would attempt in their PHEV, but it highlights the various attributes of the Outlander regardless of how you apply them.

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“What I’d like to demonstrate is that we don’t have [driving] range anxiety. You’re not going to find a charging station in the middle of the Simpson Desert, probably ever. It gives us the total flexibility to have an EV for every-day life and covers your commute.

“We conducted research and our customers use their PHEVs in full-electric mode 84 per cent of the time. But if you do want to go out to the Flinders Ranges or Blue Mountains or whatever, you can do that. This vehicle seamlessly does both.”

It might be the first time a plug-in has successfully completed one of the world’s most grueling off-road adventures, but it’s not the first time for an electrified vehicle. In 2016 a pair of Suzuki Sierras, converted to electric power, made the crossing as part of the Aussie Outback Solar Challenge.

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Regardless of the vehicle, the Simpson Desert is an unforgiving expanse covering 170,000km² with temperatures ranging from minus two to 50 degrees, and any attempt to navigate it should be taken very seriously.

Along with decades of off-road experience, Westcott was accompanied by a Mitsubishi technician, tools, recovery equipment and supplies.

“From our first experience in the new Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV, we knew it was the right car for Australian families,” said Westcott. “It can run the weekday commute on pure EV power, while also being capable of taking up to seven people away for a weekend of touring.”

Keep your eyes on Whichcar.com.au later this month for our exclusive first drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or read it in Wheels magazine on shelves today.