Unlike your average Mitsubishi Outlander or your average camper van, the Outlander PHEV E:Pop is a pop-top camper wagon that offers an efficient, long-range means of getting to base camp and enjoying your stay. increase. With five or seven seats and his two convertible beds, this car can take a family of four on weekend adventures in the mountains or on the coast, then back in town for the daily commute. can. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive are convenient for both.
While not the first vehicle that springs to mind for a plug-in hybrid camper build, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is an intriguingly versatile base. For the US, Mitsubishi estimates that his all-new 2023 Outlander PHEV will offer 38 miles (61 km) of all-electric range on his single charge. Then the gas tank kicks in, extending that range up to 420 miles (676 km). Especially good enough for road trips, coupled with the ability to refuel quickly at regular old gas stations.
The Outlander PHEV’s 2.4-liter front engine, front motor, and rear motor combination also powers a rally-derived S-AWC all-wheel drive system, making the SUV stable and capable when driving off-road and in adverse weather conditions. Shuttle. Its 8.3 inches (21 cm) ground clearance helps it glide over bumps.
Simply put, the Outlander PHEV can make something like a plug-in hybrid camper van. As it stands, conversion options aren’t exactly numerous or clean, and are limited to rooftop tents (RTTs), DIY interior buildouts, or simply sleeping on folded seats.
NishiowariMitsubishi
But Japan has better options. Domestic car dealer and camper conversion shop Nishiowari Mitsubishi Motors Sales has designed an integrated package called the Outlander PHEV E:Pop. Honestly, E:Pop’s tall black pop-up roof doesn’t look any more obtrusive or prettier than a standalone rooftop tent, but it certainly makes for a better integrated car camping experience than the RTT. increase. The roof opens up like a typical pop-up camper van, giving you more headroom inside (not always useful since you don’t have a flat floor) and a tent-top bedroom (182 ×105 cm) double bed.
NishiowariMitsubishi
To make sure the Outlander PHEV’s cabin wasn’t wasted overnight, Nishiowari installed a sleeper platform in the tailgate area that combined with the fold-down rear seats into a 72-by-43-inch (182-by-110-cm) bed. Did. Therefore, E:Pop can comfortably sleep four of him within the Outlander’s compact footprint.
The Outlander’s plug-in hybrid platform offers another camping advantage that Nishiowari likes to tout. A 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack can keep your car’s heater and air conditioner running all night, optimizing the temperature for a more comfortable night’s sleep. And unlike pure electric vehicles, campers don’t have to worry as much about battery drain. Because we still have gas tanks left to move in the morning. Campers can also utilize the battery via a 1,500W AC outlet to power their camping gear and accessories.
NishiowariMitsubishi
Technically speaking, the Outlander PHEV E:Pop is a sleeper or light camper, lacking the kitchen, shower, dining lounge, and other amenities that make it a full-fledged camper. But the lack of permanently installed equipment also makes it a more versatile and capable everyday driver and errand runner. Pop is ready to roll as a regular 5-seat or 7-seat SUV. The only real downside we see is that the pop-up roof doesn’t include rails, so owners won’t be able to load cargo on it.
Nishiowari offered an E:Pop kit for its curvier third-generation Outlander PHEV, and last year reworked it for Mitsubishi’s square-jawed fourth-generation model introduced in 2021. Currently showing his E:Pop camper new at 2023 Japan Camper. The show starts on Friday and runs through the weekend. Prices for full vehicles start at ¥5,741,100 (about US$43,750) for his E:Pop, which seats five, and ¥6,171,200 ($47,000) for his seven-seater.
NishiowariMitsubishi
Coming alongside the Outlander PHEV E:Pop is a treat for Mitsubishi Delica enthusiasts. Nishiowari’s Delica D:5 is a pretty lively example of a D:Pop camper. The D:Pop features a similar sleeper arrangement to his E:Pop, but with the added flexibility of a flat van floor to allow for an interior dining area with swivel seats in the front. The D:Pop doesn’t get the benefits of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but 4WD is standard. Starting at ¥4,913,800 ($37,450).
Source: Nishiowari Mitsubishi (Japanese)
