PHEVs are used how they are intended, survey shows

A new survey of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV drivers in the UK has shown that 90 per cent charge their vehicles at least two to three times per week, with 68 per cent charging every day.

This shows that PHEVs are being used in the most efficient way and in the way they were intended - in electric mode for most every day journeys. It counters the myth that plug-in hybrids are only driven by people looking to lower their tax bills and are never actually plugged in.

The research by Kadence International on behalf of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK was conducted following the government's withdrawal of incentives for PHEVs in form of the Plug-in Car Grant and VED benefits.

The survey also revealed that 25% of Outlander PHEV owners are most likely to consider a pure electric vehicle for their potential next purchase.

The survey showed that fuel economy was amongst the most important deciding factors for 86% of Outlander PHEV owners, closely followed by running costs for 85% of drivers and environmental friendliness for 81%.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is calling on the government to be more inclusive of gateway technologies and to incentivise private buyers to make the first step away from pure petrol or diesel power by lowering running costs and rolling out more on-street and residential charging for people without driveways.

The survey sample was chosen entirely at random from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV customer base, meaning the results are a realistic reflection of how these vehicles are used.