The popularity of electric vehicle technology has reached critical mass - no longer a niche class of vehicle, it's become a major consideration for the vast majority of Kiwis when deciding to buy their next car. Mitsubishi's PHEV offering has been a major driver in the market, with critical acclaim for both the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
The release of both models was hugely successful, bolstered by the Clean Car Discount and the initial wave of early adopters. However, it's fair to say that some people may remain sceptical over electric vehicle technology, and are biding their time to see long-term reviews. Well, the New Zealand public has been zipping around Aotearoa for the past couple of years in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, so now is the perfect time to check in to see how the compact-SUV is holding up!
The Eclipse Cross PHEV might be classed as a "compact" SUV, but there's nothing compact about its extensive features. Featuring a 2.4L twin electric motor S-AWC configuration powered by a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, the PHEV refuses to compromise on performance. This is evident in the SUV's impressive 4WD system and Super All Wheel Drive Control (S-AWC). Featuring AWD NORMAL, SNOW and GRAVEL drive modes alongside Mitsubishi's renowned S-AWC System supplying optimal torque to rear wheels to produce an enhanced, stable and comfortable driving experience.
The Eclipse Cross PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that combines the use of both a traditional combustion engine alongside electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery. While most people are familiar with the lifespan of a combustion engine, it's only natural that most of the long-term questions surround the battery. While it is true that batteries deteriorate over time, if a driver implements healthy charging habits with their PHEV, these batteries are known to last well past 10 years.
The Eclipse Cross PHEV has a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that takes around 6 hours to charge at home from a standard household socket, as well as featuring a 25 minute fast charge of up to 80% via Type 2 AC port with locking function. The great thing about this is that you can easily plug in overnight and wake up with a fully charged car ready for your commute or adventure!
But what about the cost of recharging? Well, one of our customers reported that “ with an off-peak night electricity cost of $0.1528 per kWh, it only costs roughly $2.10 to charge the battery overnight! This makes for an incredibly efficient and cost-effective driving experience.
Charging the Eclipse Cross PHEV each night has become a routine, even though there's often some electric range left. Why? Because I want to maximise the benefits of the free hour of power".
To top it all off, Mitsubishi provides their customers peace of mind by also including the Diamond Advantage with the Eclipse Cross PHEV - the most extensive new car warranty in New Zealand. While this includes the renowned 5 year/ 130,000 km new vehicle warranty, 10 year / 160,000 km powertrain warranty, and 5 years premium roadside assistance, the industry-leading warranty has been extended to include an 8-year / 160,000km warranty specific to the drive Li-ion battery for the Eclipse Cross PHEV, putting any worries you may have about the life of the battery to bed.
"I've driven it for about 8 months and done a bit over 13,000km so the car hasn't even had its first service - 1 year or 15,000km. No issues at all during this time", writes one owner.
Now that we've addressed any concerns over battery life and efficiency, let's chat about hitting the road. With a full tank of fuel, the Eclipse Cross PHEV is capable of travelling up to 660 km - perfect for longer trips or days out exploring our beautiful country. This is achieved through the Eclipse Cross PHEV's Parallel Hybrid and Series Hybrid modes, which use the combustion engine alongside the electric motors to extend the range of the SUV, provide additional power, and recharge the battery when it is running low. However, when sticking to shorter daily commutes, the Eclipse Cross PHEV can provide around 50 km of electric range, running purely off the battery without the need for fuel. This is particularly impressive for families with young children, as one happy Eclipse Cross PHEV owner notes:
"Let's chat about hitting the road with my Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. You know how people get all worked up about their electric cars? Not me. Seriously, no need for all that range anxiety drama because this electric battery easily takes me around 40-45 km on one charge. Perfect when you're looking after two little ones. And the cool part is that I've also got a tank of fuel tucked away, just in case.
On our family road trips, we never stress about finding a charging spot. Why? Because that trusty fuel tank is like our backup plan and even using it, the fuel economy is fantastic. It's like saving money on kiddo snacks.
And to be honest I've never actually needed a full tank of fuel. I've always managed to charge the battery overnight. It's like my car's bedtime routine – simple and convenient.
So, road-tripping with the Eclipse Cross PHEV? It's like having a reliable car that covers the miles with ease and a dash of 'mum's got this' confidence. No range anxiety here, just good vibes and happy travels.”
The convenience of not being beholden to ever-increasing petrol prices is a huge selling point for many PHEV owners. With overnight charging being so simple and hassle-free, the battery is almost always ready when you need it, meaning less frequent visits to the petrol station and more time spent getting things done!
We asked one of our customers to walk us through their experiences with owning the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
"Living and working on Auckland's North Shore has been such a blessing, made even better with my Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. My commute, a comfortable 16 km round trip, is a breeze with this amazing vehicle. During the summer, I love the refreshing and cold air from the air conditioning, while in the winter, the heated seats and heater create a cosy cabin atmosphere. Admittedly, these features do consume a bit of the electric battery, affecting the electric range, but it's a compromise I happily make.”
Aside from the impressive technology and fuel efficiency that come with owning an Eclipse Cross PHEV, feedback about the overall ownership experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
When considering purchasing a PHEV, it's important to consider how your driving habits and needs match with the technology. The Eclipse Cross PHEV, like all other PHEVs, is tailored for both short commutes and longer journeys. Its Electric Mode suits daily trips perfectly, cutting emissions and costs with home charging. Yet, it seamlessly transitions to Hybrid Mode for extended drives, offering flexibility without compromising efficiency or convenience. It's the ideal choice, ensuring you're covered whether you're cruising around town or going on an epic road trip.
The Eclipse Cross PHEV has proven to be a reliable and comfortable vehicle for many New Zealanders, offering the best of both worlds by providing a seamless blend of traditional combustion technology with cutting edge electric vehicle technology.
So, for those sceptical of the electric vehicle technology wave, fear not - the industry has truly left the early teething stage and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is evidence of this. But if you are still not convinced by the glowing long-term reviews of the Eclipse Cross PHEV, then why not experience it for yourself? Get in contact with Simon Lucas Mitsubishi - our friends are here to answer any questions you may have and get you behind the wheel to test drive one of Mitsubishi’s award winning PHEVs today!
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