MANY people wonder how they can save fuel, and help the environment, without changing their lifestyle too much.
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Not all of us want to, nor is it practical to, ride push bikes to work and it's a bit of a challenge when it comes to getting the family from place to place.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is one vehicle that takes care of this conundrum. The Outlander PHEV is the world's first Hybrid SUV 4 Wheel Drive, and is powered by two electric motors and a 2.0L petrol engine. According to the Australian government's Green Vehicle Guide, the Outlander PHEV has a fuel consumption rating of only 1.9L per 100km. Calculated on travelling an average of 15,000km per year and assuming fuel costs of $1.50 per litre, an Outlander PHEV owner could potentially spend only $427 per year on fuel.
Port Macquarie local, Joel Moss, director of fixed wireless broadband company c2a.com.au, acquired his environmentally friendly Outlander PHEV from John Oxley Mitsubishi in June, 2014.
He had researched the vehicle online, and found it to be the only hybrid vehicle which could be used simply by plugging in.
"The driving choice in picking the Outlander PHEV was the fact I would save on fuel costings, I plug in and charge [it] off peak," he said.
When asked about the fuel consumption figures published by the Green Vehicle Guide, he said: "Oh, I would think it's probably even better than that, on my normal day to day travel. I have probably only needed to fill up twice in the three months I've owned it."
The vehicle has instrument lights on the dash that show the amount of power left in the batteries, and drivers can choose to either save battery power by switching to fuel, or charge on the go via regenerative braking.
Mr Moss indicated that he wouldn't go back to a traditional "fuel only" car, after his short time with the Outlander PHEV, due to the savings and practicality. However, the best thing about it, he says is "that it is a full sized family car with no compromise... I love it!"
Dealer principal of John Oxley Mitsubishi, Shane McGuigan is proud to be the only Outlander PHEV dealer on the Mid-North Coast.
"We are extremely pleased to have this opportunity to introduce a new way of driving to people" he said.
"Hybrids have been around for a while now, but this is one that people can simply plug in, and that makes everything so much simpler than previously available options."
McGuigan's team at John Oxley have undergone a certification program through Mitsubishi to ensure they are informed about the technology and the benefits it offers, and to service the vehicles.
"This is quite specialist work but something that is really valuable to our business and our customers. These vehicles are part of our present and our future, and it makes sense to be part of these exciting developments.
"With the Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi have come up with a vehicle that is practical, that looks good and when compared with other hybrid options is fantastic value for money."
Joel Moss couldn't agree more. "I'm saving on fuel AND I love the new car," he said.
For more information on how the PHEV can save you money on fuel, go online and search for John Oxley PHEV" or call John Oxley Mitsubishi on 6588 8555.