Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV accounts for 1 in 4 plug-in hybrid sales

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is still the plug-in hybrid market leader in the UK, accounting for one in four sales in a declining market.

Whether you think effectively scrapping the plug-in hybrid grant is a good idea or not, it’s certainly had an effect on sales of both plug-in hybrids and electric cars.

Last month in the UK, electric car sales rose by a whopping 156 per cent as more models made it to market, and more buyers were convinced and EV was for them. Helped, we’re sure, by a contribution of £3.5k from taxpayers.

By contrast, without the help of a grant, sales of plug-in hybrids dropped by half, although combined sales of EVs and plug-in hybrids changed little overall.

Those bare facts are a blow for car makers heavily invested in plug-ins – like Mitsubishi – and, although the plug-in hybrid is a bit of a compromise, the ability to run as a pure EV is likely to turn buyers on to a full BEV next time round.

But despite the pain of falling sales, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is still a proper success, accounting for almost one in four PHEV sales in July.

Toby Marshall, sales boss at Mitsubishi UK, said:

It is very pleasing to see the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV performing well and leading the way for the plug-in hybrids in the UK, especially in a time in which the plug-in hybrid market remains challenging. Our customers continue to appreciate the cutting edge technology and real-world benefits of driving the Outlander PHEV with its long EV range contributing to a cleaner and quieter environment.

And with prices starting from £36,755, the Outlander PHEV isn’t a shed-load more than the equivalent diesel.