If you have been considering going to an electric vehicle but are not completely sold on the idea, a PHEV, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, might be the go.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV was released a few years ago, however it has been received many updates on styling, safety, and features over these years.

Unlike a traditional hybrid, the PHEV needs to be plugged in to have the battery fully recharged, but you can keep driving even after the battery is empty as it has a petrol engine/generator.

The Mitsubishi PHEV prioritises EV Mode driving wherever possible and can deploy Series or Parallel Hybrid modes where required.

Featuring a 13.8kWh drive battery and offering around 55km EV range, the Eclipse Cross PHEV uses a sophisticated powertrain control system that automatically selects the most efficient drive mode, based on the prevailing conditions.

EV Mode offers zero tailpipe emissions and a smooth, responsive driving experience. Operating at speeds from standstill to 135km/h, it powers the front and rear electric motors by drawing current from the drive battery.

Series Hybrid mode uses the drive battery to power the front and rear electric motors, while the internal combustion engine (ICE) is engaged to power the on-board generator. This enables the vehicle to charge the battery while it is being driven. This mode is also activated when the driver calls for maximum acceleration, or when the battery state of charge is too low to operate on EV Mode.

In Parallel Hybrid mode the Eclipse Cross PHEV functions as a ‘traditional’ hybrid vehicle, where the ICE powers the generator and provides drive to the front wheels (in tandem with the front electric motor) via the front transaxle. The rear electric motor drives the rear wheels.

Regenerative braking is deployed in all modes, for maximum efficiency and reduced emissions.

In output terms, the front electric motor generates 60kW and 137Nm, while the rear motor supplies 70kW and 195Nm.

The ICE engine generates 94kW at 4500rpm and a 199Nm torque peak, also at 4500rpm and will run on 91RON. Combined cycle fuel consumption is around 1.9L/100km.

There are three grades in the PHEV, ES, Aspire and top spec Exceed. The ES starts at $47,790 with the Exceed starting at $56,490.