Which powertrain is right for you?
Finding the right vehicle can be challenging. And with so many new types of powertrain to choose from, finding the perfect fit can get even harder. But don’t worry; we’re here to help. From fuel-efficient gas SUVs to pioneering new EV technologies, we’ve been driving innovation for over 100 years – and we have the experience to make your options clear.
TYPES OF VEHICLES
Gas Vehicle
The tried and true. Many recent models feature efficient gas engines but still output emissions.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
These vehicles use both a gasoline engine and a battery-powered electric motor to drive. With the support of the electric motor, they can reduce emissions compared to normal gas vehicles.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
These vehicles also use both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, but have a much higher battery capacity. They can be driven 100% electric with a fully charged battery, but once the battery is used up, they operate like a regular hybrid.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
These vehicles don’t have a gasoline engine and solely use a battery-powered electric motor to drive. They have zero tailpipe emissions. The battery needs to be charged in order to operate.
CHARGING
There are various levels of charging available, each offering different charging times – so planning out where to charge your vehicle ahead of time is a great way to ensure that you’re always prepared for the road ahead.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
HEVs cannot be recharged externally. Instead, their electric motors function as generators, using the energy regenerated during braking to recharge the battery.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
PHEVs are recharged via plugging into an electrical outlet or charging station. When charging is not available, the vehicle can still drive by fuelling the gas tank.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
BEVs must be recharged by plugging into an electrical outlet or charging station. Charging is always required, since the battery is the only power source.
TYPES OF CHARGING
Level 1
Level 1 charging uses the standard household 120-volt outlet to charge your battery. This type of charging is convenient, but it will take longer to get your battery to full capacity.
Level 2
Level 2 charging uses 240 volts to charge your battery, offering much faster charging speeds over level 1. Most public charging stations are level 2. For at-home use, level 2 chargers have to be installed by an electrician.
Level 3
Level 3 charging is the fastest type of charging available. Due to the increased voltage and a higher cost, this type of charging is only available at some public stations. Not every BEV or PHEV can charge at level 3 chargers, as they require a specific connector.
FIND CHARGING STATIONS
HOW THEY FIT YOUR LIFE
Understanding which type of powertrain will best fit your lifestyle will make your purchase decision easier. Each type has strengths in different areas so, depending on how you use your vehicle, some types will offer you more benefits than others.
City driving
With shorter distances and stop-and-go traffic, you may benefit from the efficiency of BEV, PHEV or HEV. Electric motors can handle city drives more efficiently than gas engines.
Long road trips
For highway speeds and long-distance drives, a gas engine offers improved fuel efficiency and power. Range anxiety will be a concern for BEV, as it takes time to recharge.
City drives & long trips
For a mix of short city drives and long-distance trips, a PHEV offers both efficiency and added range. Gas vehicles and HEV can also handle long-distance drives, but are less eco friendly because of their higher emissions.
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Cost of purchase
BEV and PHEV are typically more expensive when compared to traditional gas vehicles because of the added technology.
Cost of operation
Charging the on-board battery typically costs less than gas per kilometre, so driving BEV and PHEV can reduce fuel costs and lead to a lower cost of operation than a gas vehicle. BEV will likely require a home charging station to be installed, adding an incremental cost.
Rebates
When buying a BEV or PHEV, you may be eligible for Federal and Provincial rebates and other incentives, which can help reduce the cost of your initial purchase.
WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Whether you’re after maximum range, carefree charging or going completely gas free, there’s a vehicle for you.
| Gas Vehicle | HEV | PHEV | BEV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco friendly | ☆☆☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★☆ | ★★★ |
| Ease of Charging | N/A | N/A | ★★★ | ★★☆ |
| Driving range | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★☆ |
| Cost Savings | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★☆ | ★★☆ |
| Ease of Adaptation | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★☆☆ |
Make the switch to PHEV
With the worry-free travel range of gas and efficiency of electric, PHEVs offer the best of both worlds. If you’re looking to make a positive change without stress or hassle, a PHEV is the right choice for you.
PHEV EVolved
The 2024 Outlander PHEV
The 2024 Outlander PHEV is the smart plug-in hybrid SUV designed to fit your life. We've upgraded every aspect of the Outlander PHEV to deliver more efficiency, more luxury and more dependability than ever. Making a positive change has never been this intuitive — or enjoyable.
The information and analysis presented on this page is based on Mitsubishi Motors' industry experience and current public information from reputable sources. While we have taken care to ensure that the information reflected is accurate, some conclusions may be subject to differing opinions.
* Level 2 charging units use high voltage electricity and should be installed by professionals. Prior to installing a level 2 charger, consult your local power authority and the charger manufacturer on proper installation and requirements.