New Study Shows the Outlander PHEV Can Help Consumes Adjust to EVs

With the automotive world looking into new technologies in a post-pandemic world, some are starting to look into other methods of getting around as well. Many share a vision of a mobile ecosystem where anyone can get access to public or private transportation, but we’re not quite there yet. At the moment, just getting self-driving vehicles a permit is a problem. The vehicles truly making headway are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and electric vehicles (EVs). According to a recent study, PHEVs could be the perfect vehicle to help driver make the transition to alternative fuel. With successful plug-in hybrids like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in the world, could a Mitsubishi EV be next? With its role in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, maybe.

We don’t want to get any hopes up. The last all-electric vehicle to come from Mitsubishi Motors was the i-MiEV, and although it was the first highway-capable EV in the world, the electric vehicle didn’t fare too well stateside, and sales were discontinued. There is hope, however. Thanks to the Alliance, Mitsubishi may get another chance at an electric vehicle. Nissan is currently working on a cross-brand electric vehicle platform meant to be shared with all three automakers in the Alliance. Flexible enough to change for the size and style of the vehicle it is being used for, this could be the tech Mitsubishi needs.

At the same time, Mitsubishi Motors has been putting a lot of focus on its plug-in hybrid technology. The Mi-TECH concept that debuted at 2019 Tokyo Motor Show was a new interesting take on PHEV powertrains, replacing the gasoline internal combustion engine with a gas turbine engine able to run off diesel, kerosene, and alcohol. The Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer was another great concept from Mitsubishi, said to replace the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV altogether. With an all-electric cruising range of 43 miles, and a total driving range of 434 miles before needing to stop for gas or charging up, it’s a great alternative.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the only plug-in hybrid currently offered by the automaker, and although its driving range is a little lower than the Engelberg Tourer, a new platform from Nissan for PHEVs may offer some help. Regardless, the Outlander PHEV has had much success on its own, and has shown to be a key player in consumers wary about making the switch from gasoline to alternative fuel, and eventually electric vehicles. According to a new survey conducted by Kadence International, 1035 Mitsubishi drivers in the UK were asked about their thoughts on the Outlander PHEV and making the switch. Out of this 1035, 9-percent of the drivers who currently owned gasoline-powered vehicles considered going all-electric, and 23-percent considered a plug-in hybrid. According to the study overall, 70-percent of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV owners considered making the change to an all-electric as their next purchase.

“This latest research reinforces the fact that PHEVs are a gateway to an all-EV future. Consumers still harbour concerns about pure electric vehicle range, affordability and relying on the nascent nature of the charging infrastructure in the UK, all of which can be addressed by PHEVs while these issues are resolved over time. In the interim, PHEVs can help both the industry and government make an immediate impact on climate change and air quality, especially in urban areas, and speed up the acceptance of electrified vehicles” – Rob Lindley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK

If Mitsubishi Motors can increase the range of the Outlander PHEV, or decides to replace it with the Engelberg Tourer, an electric vehicle could soon be in the cards if popularity were to arise. What do you think about plug-in hybrids? Can they help people make the adjustment? Join the discussion on University Mitsubishi social media.

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