Mitsubishi Electric Driving FAQs

You’ve got questions, we’ve got the answers! Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Mitsubishi electric vehicles.

What’s the difference between EVs, HEVs and PHEVs?
EVs are 100%-powered by an electric motor, and emit no CO₂ gases. HEVs, or Hybrid Electric Vehicles, have both an electric motor and a traditional engine. Their battery is charged through regenerative breaking. PHEVs—such as the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid—first utilize the electric battery and tap into the engine when more power is needed. Like electric vehicles, the battery can be recharged by plugging it in.

Are electric cars and hybrid vehicles safe?
Yes. They undergo the same rigorous safety testing as other vehicles, and are often equipped with advanced safety features and technologies. Further, in the event of a serious collision, a circuit breaker will cut all power from the drive battery!

Are the batteries used in electric cars and hybrid vehicles bad for the environment?
No. Made from Lithium-ion—just like the batteries in your laptops and smartphones—electric vehicle batteries are 90% recyclable.

Do electric car batteries need to be replaced?
Batteries in electric or hybrid vehicles are designed to last the lifespan of the vehicle, but battery capacity can be reduced over time, especially if they aren’t being properly charged or stored. Mitsubishi provides a 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for its Main Drive Lithium-ion battery.

How long does it take to charge an electric car or PHEV?
It depends on how full the battery is, but charging is generally quick—and easy! For example, it takes less than 8 hours to fully charge the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid with Level 1 charging through a standard 120V outlet, and less than 4 hours with a dedicated Level 2 charger. With DC Fast Charging, you can get up to 80% capacity in just 25 minutes!http://hybrid-ev-research

Still have more questions? Take a look at our EV Research Hub for more information!