The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has become eligible for the Government’s Plug in Car Grant (PiCG), which is apparently awarded by The Office for Low Emission Vehicles. This is a Government initiative that came in back in January 2011 whereby motorists (both private consumers and businesses) purchasing a qualifying ultra-low emission car have been able to receive a grant of 25 per cent towards the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum of £5000. According to Mitsubishi, the Outlander PHEV qualifies for the PiCG, while most other hybrids in the market do not, and this is due to Mitsubishi’s hybridsystem. Unlike many hybrids, the Outlander PHEV can be driven at speeds over 70mph, using just its electric motors. Interestingly, over the UK’s average daily commute, which is 32.5 miles, so people driving the Outlander PHEV can get to work and not use any fuel at all. This also means the vehicle only emits 44g/km CO2 (based on EU drive cycle figures), which means a Vehicle Excise Duty of £0. So you can commute using no fuel, and paying no car tax… Mitsubishi’s claim that the company’s hybrid/electric vehicle philosophy heralds a new era of automotive ownership starts to make sense.
