Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Box – Fully Electric Drive

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Box – Fully Electric Drive

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Box enables a pure electric mode (EV-mode) when ECO mode is on, effectively making the ECO button function as an EV button. This external, additional ECU uses original Mitsubishi plugs and can be installed within minutes without any car alteration or modification. It is a plug-and-play box that provides the following enhancements:

• Pure EV mode up to 130 km/h – no gasoline engine (ICE) starting when full throttle.
• Over 130 km/h, ICE starts in parallel mode (indicated by an "orange arrow" on the dashboard).
• When kick-downed, ICE starts in serial mode.
• In ECO mode, the range of the car is extended (approximately 8%).
• Pedal accuracy is highly improved. In ECO mode, 100% of pedal position equals 100% of EV power (60kW), linear from zero, allowing for a very smooth drive.
• Predictable starting of ICE by the PHEV ECU is switched off.
• Full car power of EV + ICE is always available at once (e.g., for overtaking) when kick-down is activated.
• Charge and Save buttons work as usual, but the ECO button now functions as the EV button.
• In NORMAL mode, the car is permitted to use ICE (gasoline), but throttle characteristics are improved to reduce accidental ICE starting. In ECO mode, the car is not permitted to use ICE, except for kick-down or speeds over 130 km/h.
• Optional: The ICEheaterStop optional module enables full electric heating of the cabin in most weather and temperature conditions. The gasoline engine will start only if it is very cold, reducing fuel consumption for heating by approximately 70% (average).

Image Description: A black and gray electronic control unit (ECU) box with blue accents and a multi-pin connector. The 'V-tech' logo is visible on the side.

How it Works?

The PHEV Box is an intelligent controller that manages load (power demand) and corrects the driver's input based on original PHEV ECU maps. It sets a power demand threshold for starting the ICE. This correction helps avoid ICE starts, so the gasoline engine does not engage even at full throttle (unless kick-down is used).

The optional ICEheaterStop plug scans and corrects the interior temperature gap to the demanded temperature. By adjusting both power demand and temperature gap, it reduces ICE starts for heating purposes, allowing heating to be done primarily with electric energy.

Power Demand Curve

The PHEV Box modifies the power demand curve compared to the factory setting. The factory setting covers the first 40% of the gas pedal for electric power, but the box zooms this to 70%, allowing for more precise electric power control.

Above 70% pedal input, up to 85% (full throttle, but not kick-down), power delivery depends on the driving mode. In ECO mode, power is capped at approximately 82 hp (60 kW) to prevent ICE activation. However, if kick-down is used or the pedal is firmly pressed, the box switches to the unrestricted "green" curve, allowing full power usage. If power demand drops below 20% (indicated by "ECO" on the gauge), the box reverts to ECO mode with a 60 kW lock.

Kick-down immediately unlocks full power and the entire power scale. In NORMAL mode, a similar algorithm applies, but with a power limit of 100 hp, which is beneficial for fuel-efficient highway driving. In both ECO and NORMAL modes, if the mode is switched via full throttle or kick-down, the car's full power (204 hp) is available to the driver.

Users may need time to adapt to the box's behavior, but will soon find how to use it effectively for smooth power control, leading to fuel savings and increased electrical range.

Image Description: A screenshot of the PHEVBox Configurator software showing a graph titled 'Throttle Box Configurator'. The graph displays two curves: a blue 'Original' curve and a green 'Box' curve, illustrating power output versus throttle input percentage. The green curve is significantly steeper in the initial pedal travel.

Installation of PHEV Box

Notice: Installation videos are available at: vtechtuning.eu/phev-box.html

The PHEV Box is installed by connecting it to the accelerator pedal plug.

1. Remove Silencer Cover: This cover is attached with reusable pins. To unlock the pins, lift the internal part of the black pin by approximately 0.5 cm. The pin lock will then disengage. Store the pins for reinstallation.
2. Locate Accelerator Pedal Plug: The plug is situated at the top of the pedal assembly and is easily reachable by hand.
3. Unplug Factory Connector: Press the lock on the factory plug and lift it upwards. The box wiring uses the same plug type.
4. Connect Box Wiring: Install the box wiring to both sides of the factory wiring until a "click" is heard.
5. Connect Box and Secure: Connect the box to its wiring. Install the box inside the area above the silencer using tie wraps. Perform a test drive to verify the box is functioning correctly (refer to the "How it Works?" chapter). If the gasoline engine (ICE) still starts in ECO mode during full throttle, or if the power gauge during electric drive at full throttle does not reach the end of the green area, refer to the "Fine tuning" chapter before completing the installation.
6. Reinstall Silencer Cover: Secure the silencer cover using the pins.

Image Description (Accelerator Pedal): A view from the driver's perspective showing the accelerator pedal in a car, with a red arrow pointing to the plug connection at the top of the pedal assembly.

Image Description (Plug): A close-up of a car's accelerator pedal plug, showing the electrical connector with a locking mechanism.

Fine tuning

To fine-tune the box, open the back cover using a Phillips screwdriver. You will find a micro USB port and an orange rotary programmer. If the programmer is set to "0", the box (and ICEheaterStop) will be deactivated. The typical setting is "2" for 2015 & 2016 cars, and "4" for 2013-2014 cars.

Tuning Scenarios:

Scenario a) Perfect Setting:

In ECO mode, at full throttle (but not kick-down), the power gauge should show a value in the green area, almost at its end. This indicates optimal performance. While factory settings are usually ideal, minor inconsistencies may occur.

Scenario b) Power Limitation Too High:

If the power gauge in ECO mode at full throttle (not kick-down) points to the green area but not at its end, power limitation is too high. To improve car dynamics, open the box and turn the rotary programmer one value down (this increases power limit by 3 kW). Factory setting is usually program 2; switching to program 1 (program 0 = factory car) is an option.

Scenario c) Power Limitation Too Low:

If the power gauge at full throttle (not kick-down) points to the white (POWER) area and ICE starts, power limitation is too low. Use the rotary programmer to reduce maximum power in ECO drive by changing the program one value up. The factory setting is typically program 2; change to program 3. If ICE starting issues persist at full throttle, try program 4, etc. Consider if you are pressing the throttle too hard, as this can trigger POWER mode and cause ICE to start due to demand rather than a low power limit.

All settings, including throttle mode switch sensitivity, can be adjusted using the Windows program "PHEVBox Controller," downloadable from the PHEVBox page at vtechtuning.eu. Drivers for the box must be installed prior to USB connection. Refer to chapter 6 for details.

Image Description (Box Internals): A close-up of the internal components of the PHEV Box, showing a circuit board with a micro USB port and an orange rotary programmer dial.

Image Description (Dashboard Displays): Three images of a car's dashboard display. The first shows the 'ECO' mode with the power gauge in the green area. The second shows the 'NORMAL' mode with the power gauge. The third shows the 'POWER' mode with the power gauge in the white area, indicating ICE engagement.

ICEheaterStop Installation

The ICEheaterStop is a probe designed to connect to the internal temperature sensor signal pin without disassembling the dashboard. It must be installed into the second and third holes of the internal temperature sensor, located on the side of the steering wheel. Install it firmly and carefully, as it is a 3D printed part. You can verify a good connection by checking the voltage between the cable end and ground from the lighter socket; it should be between 2.0V and 4.0V. Avoid bending the probe pin, as it may break. This is the easiest method to obtain the signal without disassembly. The black wire should be routed below the steering wheel column and connected to the separate black wire at the box wiring. The ICEheaterStop is activated by default in all boxes. This feature enhances electric cabin heating. Starting the car with AC off and switching it on after a few seconds can also help.

Image Description (ICEheaterStop): A close-up of the ICEheaterStop probe and its associated wiring harness. The probe is a small sensor designed to connect to the car's internal temperature sensor.

PHEVBox Configurator Software

The PHEVBox Configurator software runs on any PC with 32-bit or 64-bit Windows. It requires drivers to be installed before USB cable connection. The USB port for communication is inside the box, requiring the removal of four screws with a Phillips screwdriver to access the micro USB port. The software allows control and modification of all PHEVBox parameters, as well as viewing live data. It is also used for firmware upgrades and map updates. Detailed usage instructions are provided in a separate manual, downloadable from vtechtuning.eu/phev-box.html.

Troubleshooting

ICE starts when I drive (but not kick-down)

• If the car is in NORMAL mode, switch to ECO mode.
• If ICE starts only at the very end of the accelerator pedal travel (around 90%), refer to chapter 3c (Fine Tuning).
• If ICE starts even halfway through the throttle travel, the PHEVBox may be internally switched off (rotary programmer set to 0). Open the box and set the orange rotary programmer to position 2 (for 2016, 2015 cars) or 4 (for 2013-2014 cars).

EV mode power is low, power gauge stops somewhere in the middle of the green area

• Set a higher power level using the rotary programmer inside the box (refer to chapter 3b - Fine Tuning).

I do not see any difference with ICEheaterStop connected

• Ensure it is properly connected to the main box harness.
• Check for contact between the pin and the temperature sensor. Use a voltmeter to verify the voltage between ground (at the lighter socket) and the probe (disconnected) is between 2.0V and 4.0V. If not, remove and reconnect the probe, ensuring proper voltage is visible (refer to chapter 4).

I have an error at the dashboard "EC system failure"

• This error likely occurred because the car was switched on while the throttle pedal was disconnected or the box was not connected to the wiring. Reconnect the box properly. Unplug the car from charging, switch the car off, and then switch it on again. The error should disappear.

For any other questions, please contact support.

Support

Support in English is available via Skype: chip_tuning_files_support.