Are 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs Reliable?

The release of the Next Gen Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been met with praise for its extensive range of features, bold new look, and fuel economy. This has come at a time where petrol prices across the globe, including here in Aotearoa, have reached a historic high. If there has ever been a time for New Zealanders to want to ditch their reliance on petrol, now is definitely the time. However, even with the rising petrol costs, there remains some scepticism over electric vehicle technology.

The main source of concern is over their batteries. This concern comes from two fronts. First, can the everyday New Zealander rely on our country's infrastructure to charge and fit a PHEV into their lifestyle? The second concern is about the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery.

Most PHEVs use lithium-ion batteries, which are known for being durable and long-lasting. This is true for the Next Gen Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Outlander PHEV has a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery that is the vehicle's main source of power. While it does have a 2.4L combustion engine as well, it is designed with the idea that this combustion engine plays a supporting role in electric motors. The main intention of the Outlander is for Kiwis to do the majority of their driving in EV mode - a mode entirely battery powered, requiring no petrol and producing zero emissions. This mode has an EV range of up to 84km, easily covering the daily commute of the average New Zealander.

But while many love the idea of fun-free freedom, the practical application of relying on electricity is called into question. Fear of not being able to charge this battery has some second-guessing the reliability of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Thankfully, the Outlander PHEV offers two different means of charging it. The one that is going to probably be most relevant to owners of the Outlander PHEV is its ability to be charged off a standard NZ power outlet. Given that it has a rather hefty EV range, it easily fits into most people's lifestyles by being able to charge it in their garage overnight. This allows them to start each day with a fully charged battery without any inconvenience to their driving habits. In addition to this, given that the Outlander PHEV has one of the biggest batteries in its class, some people may even find that they only have to charge it every second night.

The second means of charging an Outlander PHEV is via a FastCharge station. Some people do opt to have one of these installed in their homes, but for most, they'll take advantage of a commercial charging station while they are out and about. These can rapidly charge an Outlander PHEV's battery in less than 20 minutes. New Zealand's current infrastructure has a fast charge station at least every 75km along our state highway network, and this network is expanding at an incredible rate.

So now it should be quite clear that the Next Gen Outlander is a reliable replacement for your current petrol driving habits, but what about the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion batteries are the current pinnacle in battery technology when it comes to lifespan and usability. The charge ratio for most lithium-ion batteries is 8:1, meaning that they provide 8 hours of power for every 1 hour they are charged. The minimal lifespan of a lithium-ion battery is 2000 charge cycles, but if taken care of can exceed 3000 charge cycles. This puts the lifespan of the battery at approximately the 8-year mark if the vehicle is fully charged every single day- something that is unlikely for most people. While lithium-ion batteries in cars are a relatively new concept, they have been around long enough for us to observe that many EV batteries that have been taken care of exceed even a decade's worth of use.

However, the battery's capacity will degrade over time, which will reduce the vehicle's electric range. The rate at which the battery degrades will depend on several factors, including how often it is charged and discharged, and the ambient temperature. In general, though, it is expected that a PHEV will lose about 20% of its electric range over its lifetime. Despite this degradation, a PHEV will still offer substantial fuel savings compared to a traditional gasoline vehicle. As such, it is still an excellent choice for eco-conscious drivers.

You Never Have to Worry About Your PHEV with Mitsubishi's Diamond Advantage Warranty

Simon Lucas Mitsubishi and Mitsubishi are so confident in the quality and reliability of their automotive technology that they offer an industry-leading warranty on all new vehicles. The Diamond Advantage Warranty provides 10-year/160,000km coverage on the powertrain and 5-year/130,000km comprehensive bumper-to-bumper coverage. In addition to this, the Next Gen Outlander PHEV also has an 8-year/160,000km specific to the drive battery, providing peace of mind that your Outlander PHEV is going the distance. The Mitsubishi Diamond Advantage Warranty is considered the best new vehicle warranty in New Zealand.

The Next Gen Outlander PHEV is the perfect SUV for anyone looking to make the switch to electric. With a long lifespan and an unbeatable warranty, this car will have you covered for years to come. If you're interested in learning more about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or any of our other electric offerings, be sure to visit Simon Lucas Mitsubishi today. They'll be happy to answer any questions and help you take the next step in making your commute more eco-friendly!

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