With our Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid long-term tester, we come into contact with people who a) are either interested in an Outlander or b) are interested in a PHEV. In addition, we have gained a loyal base of readers through weekly reporting. You are in contact with several readers several times. As in this case - but this time I will leave out the name, I do not want to draw conclusions about those involved in the upcoming points.
Typical plug-in hybrid prejudices and the unwillingness of sellers to advise customers sensibly
In his email, the reader reports on the experiences he has had with various car dealerships on the subject of PHEVs. For example, the Mitsubishi dealer surveyed preferred to sell the customer a “proven” diesel or gasoline engine and the VW dealer also advised him against purchasing a PHEV (in this case: VW Golf GTE). However, I had already spoken to the reader about the advantages and disadvantages of the PHEV system. We discussed his driving profile together and determined that a plug-in hybrid would ideally suit his requirements. He also wants a four-wheel drive vehicle because he can expect snow in the winter. Seriously: The Outlander PHEV is ideal for the reader. But no - many retailers shy away from advice and don't want to leave their traditional territory. And in the case of the VW dealer, it's probably about diesel stock vehicles. Be that as it may, the prejudices are always the same. The reader also talks about these prejudices.
5 typical prejudices against the PHEV
1.) The battery does not last long
Nonsense. There is no evidence to support this claim. For example, Mitsubishi gives the Outlander PHEV 8 years warranty on the battery. Do you know another component that carmakers have been guaranteeing for so long? Of course, battery cells are subject to aging, but even those who produce such a battery and take countermeasures. So in a battery never works the entire cell depth. Defective cells can be exchanged for unused areas. The aging process is delayed for so long.
2.) Low resale value after “a few” years
The important question is about the “few” years. If you buy a vehicle privately, you shouldn't sell it in the first 3 years anyway. The loss of value is disproportionate. For the rest, a simple look at the usual online car exchanges is enough. Take a look at what an Outlander PHEV costs after 3 years and compare the loss in value with a “classic” drive. To speak of “disproportionately” here is not correct.
It is true that if the technology does not prevail, the vehicles will be harder to sell. But - at the moment it looks like pure EV and PHEV vehicles finally have a decent start and increasing acceptance.
3.) Follow-up costs?
The dumbest argument. Which follow-up costs? Lowered inspection costs? Less wear? Less gas station visits? Hook it off immediately! Forget it! #bullshit
4.) Far too expensive
The opposite of too expensive is cheap and as my social studies professor always said: if you buy cheap, you buy twice. Car starts with Au and if you want to buy something sensible, you shouldn't use the “price estimates” of others, but look for the car that suits you and your wallet. A four-wheel drive SUV with “state of the art” powertrain is not cheap. But it's fine anyway!
5.) Too much technology
Again, an argument from one who has apparently never dealt with an Outlander PHEV. Electric motors are maintenance-free. The powertrain of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a solid naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle engine. A 2.0 liter four-cylinder with 121 hp. If you ask me from the mechanical side: There's nothing on it that can really break. The battery? Maintenance free. In addition: An alternator is missing, as are a lot of V-ribbed belts to drive the auxiliary units. The Outlander PHEV is therefore more maintenance-free than a “classic” combustion engine. It is normal for a modern car to have a high level of technology on board. Nobody wants to do without navigation, cruise control, ABS, ESP and, in the case of the Outlander, all-wheel drive.
Fear of change
What the reader's experience shows is an elevated level of fear of change. Both at the regulars' table and at the automobile sellers. However, the latter should feel addressed now, be ashamed for a moment and then consider what their job is. Advising the customer and if a manufacturer has a PHEV in its range, it has been put through its paces just like the other in-house products. And if the driving profile and the everyday demands of the customer fit on the PHEV - you should also confirm that and not desperately try to sell the remaining stock from the farm!
