Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Our Fleet Test Drive: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - 5th report
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Our Fleet Test Drive: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - 5th report

Date: 28 October 2014   |   Author: Tristan Young

When the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV first arrived, I joined Ecotricity, a network of public charging points mostly located at motorway service areas. At the moment, Ecotricity is totally free, both to join and to use, although it doesn't promise to stay that way forever.

However, it's only more recently - with an increasing number of motorway journeys - that I've started using Ecotricity charge points, and I've discovered some good and bad points.

Firstly, the good stuff. Currently, charging is free, and free fuel cannot be underestimated. The charge points are always located near the door to the service station, which is great if you're lazy, it's raining or you've got kids.

You can fast charge (to 80%) in the time it takes to go to the loo and then buy a coffee and/or donut.
The downsides are similar in number. I am definitely spending more on coffee and donuts. However, on a more serious note, I'd love to know why the charge points don't have a canopy (like petrol forecourts do) so that you don't get soaked when it's raining and you have to plug-in or unplug the car.

This is particularly a case when plugging in because the process takes a good couple of minutes. When the weather's fine and sunny the problems don't end, due to the screens on the charge points not being easy to read in sunlight. And finally, I'm really worried the hard plastic handle on the charge cable will damage the paintwork on the car.

Fortunately, though, the pros are still outweighing the cons.

Mileage 3769
P11D price £39,999
Our average consumption 48.5mpg
Official combined consumption 148.0mpg
Forecast CPM 70.5p

Verdict


  • Very quiet at town speeds
  • Ecotricity charge points don't have covers

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