United Motors introduces plug-in electric hybrid vehicles in Sri Lanka
View(s):The third version of eco-friendly vehicles, the plug-in electric hybrid with high fuel efficiency has been launched in Sri Lanka by United Motors Lanka PLC (UML). Hybrid and Electric vehicles (EV) have already hit Sri Lankan roads while the Outlander PHEV with twin electric motors and a 2 litre petrol engine is the latest addition into eco-friendly vehicle fleet in the country.
VIPs at the launch.
This vehicle can run in EV mode and hybrid mode which ensure clean and highly efficient performance, Gihan Pilapitiya, General Manager of UML told Business Times on the sidelines of the launching ceremony of Outlander PHEV, the new petrol Outlander and the new L200 diesel double cab at BMICH in Colombo recently.
Mitsubishi Motor Corporation, Japan has taken a giant leap by manufacturing the world’s first Plug in Hybrid Electric SUV combines Electric Vehicle (EV) technology nurtured through many years of intense research and development, he claimed. The PHEV, however, does not solely rely on an electric battery. It contains a petrol engine which provides propulsion and generates electricity making it not completely reliant on the power of the charging facility alone, he disclosed.
The PHEV has the ability to run entirely on electric power and it has a maximum speed of 125 km per hour, Mr. Pilapaitiya said.
Plug-in hybrids can be charged through home outlets and if the battery charge gets low while driving the vehicle then it could be shifted to the petrol engine by the touch of a button, he said.
Chanaka Yatawara, UML’s Group Chief Executive Officer said that the debut of these three models is during a very opportune time as the country and consumers are becoming more environmentally and performance conscious. He further added that, “Mitsubishi Motors remains a valuable partner for the growth of the company and despite our smaller market size; globally we remain one of Mitsubishi’s valued distributors for having high market share in the Japanese brand new vehicle segment”.
The second model launched by UML, is the new seven seater Outlander for customers looking to master urban motoring. It has been designed to minimise the environmental impact through high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions.
The third model was the new L200 double cab manufactured by Mitsubishi Motor Corporation changing the entire design.