Many Australians are considering an environmentally friendly vehicle for their next car, and with a variety of electric vehicle options in the market it can be a difficult task to negotiate associated acronyms and understand which type will best suit your needs. In this guide we will help you break them down so you can consider the advantages of owning a greener vehicle.

  • Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) 

ICEs are more commonly known as internal combustion engines, this type of vehicle accounts for the vast majority of cars on Australian roads right now and are powered by traditional fuels of petrol or diesel. 

  • Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) 

Some cars run on a combination of alternative fuels either using petrol or E85 which is a mix of 15% petrol and 85% ethanol. 

  • Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) 

FCV vehicles use pressurised hydrogen to generate electricity to power the vehicle’s engine. Using alternative fuel types means that they burn cleaner than traditional fuel, which is just one advantage of this type of vehicle. 

  • Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) 

There are different types of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles run on a battery which needs to be charged either at home or at a public charging station. Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles have an electric motor and a petrol-powered engine. 

Advantages of Owning a Greener Car

  • Reducing Traditional Fuel Costs 

Perhaps the most immediately noticeable difference when owning an environmentally friendly vehicle is the money that you will typically save against traditional fuel costs of petrol or diesel. By nature, cars of this type are much more fuel efficient; EV’s are only powered by electricity and use no fuel at all. 

  • Longer Term Savings 

Eco cars can typically cost more to purchase than ICE’s, yet the reductions you will also find in both maintenance and upkeep costs, as well as general insurance should help level out costings in the long run. The money you can potentially save when owning an environmentally friendly vehicle really is a key advantage of owning this type of car. 

  • Helping To Reduce Emissions 

An environmentally friendly vehicle means just that – they help support the global shift towards looking after our planet and away from burning traditional fuels to power engines. By owning and driving a greener car you are supporting a more sustainable solution; helping reduce the effects of greenhouse gas emissions that come from regular engines and fuel types and persevering finite resources.  It’s a longer-term investment with a thought to the future that benefits yourself and the planet. 


Is Now a Good Time to Buy an Environmentally Friendly Vehicle? 

The technology behind electric vehicles has actually existed in part since the early 1900’s and whilst these types of cars are relatively new in today’s market, the price and advancements of manufacturing services has resulted in EV’s becoming more and more affordable for many people. Whilst it’s true that supporting infrastructure has some way to go to make green vehicles truly mainstream, Australia is actually making significant investment in this space. In fact, there are now 2,307 public charging stations* available for use throughout the country and according to the Electric Vehicle Council this figure is up by 40% over the last twelve months. Furthermore, in the UK for example, there are now more electric charging points than there are petrol stations. Driving range anxiety was a barrier to purchase, yet this is becoming less of a concern for many due to increase in public charging station accessibility, and if you opt for a Plug-in Hybrid then you will no doubt have greater flexibility when out on the road.

Eco cars are now mainstream

Worldwide interest levels in environmentally friendly vehicles continue to increase, along with market growth and advancements in technology which means green cars are no longer solely reserved for buyers with deep pockets. 

Two of our seven vehicle types are available as Plug-in Hybrid. The popular Outlander PHEV and the Eclipse Cross. A Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid gives you a cleaner, electric driving experience with the reassurance of a petrol engine when covering long distances. 

These greener cars showcase the future of driving as we see it and combine quieter, dynamic performance, exceptional economy, and lower emissions for a greater all round driving experience. Drivers can simply plug in and charge up to zip around town or through cross-country terrain with zero tailpipe emissions yet harness petrol power, if needed.

At Mitsubishi we are committed to supporting a greener future. We conduct business in a socially sustainable and considerate manner and our policies reflect this, from our environmental charter to our code of conduct. 

If you are interested in finding out more about eco cars, then contact your local Mitsubishi Dealership for further information on Plug-in Hybrid availability.

 

*State of Electric Vehicles Report, Aug 2020,

www.electricvehiclecouncil.com.au