The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a popular choice for New Zealand motorists looking for the practicality of an SUV with the fuel-saving benefits of electric driving.
With plenty of second-hand Outlander PHEVs available, including Japanese imports, they can represent excellent value.
But there’s one important question many buyers overlook:
How healthy is the hybrid battery?
Unlike a conventional petrol vehicle, an Outlander PHEV relies on a high-voltage battery to deliver its electric-driving benefits. If that battery has deteriorated significantly, the vehicle may still drive perfectly well using its petrol engine.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the vehicle you expected.
Why Battery Health Matters When Buying an Outlander PHEV
Imagine buying a used Outlander PHEV because you want to reduce your weekly petrol costs.
You expect to charge it overnight and complete much of your daily commute electrically.
However, after purchasing the vehicle, you discover that its electric range is substantially lower than anticipated.
There are several possible explanations, including battery degradation, cold weather, driving conditions and heating or air-conditioning use.
The challenge is distinguishing normal operating conditions from genuine battery deterioration.
A short test drive isn’t necessarily enough to tell you whether the battery is healthy.
Which Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Models Can We Battery Test?
Different generations of the Outlander PHEV use different battery systems.
My Auto Shop uses specialist AVILOO battery testing equipment to assess compatible high-voltage batteries.
The following versions are listed in AVILOO’s published vehicle compatibility information:
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Battery capacity | AVILOO compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Earlier-generation models, commonly 2013–2018 | 12.0 kWh | Listed |
| Updated models, commonly 2018–2021 | 13.8 kWh | Listed |
| Newer-generation models, generally 2022 onwards | 20.0 kWh | Requires confirmation |
Model years are indicative and can vary for New Zealand-new and imported vehicles.
Not sure which Outlander PHEV you’re buying? Simply provide us with the registration number. We can check the vehicle’s details and confirm whether your particular model can be tested.
A Bad Battery Could Cost You Thousands
The high-voltage battery is one of the most expensive components in a plug-in hybrid.
If it develops a serious fault, repairs can be costly. A complete battery replacement can potentially run into thousands of dollars, depending on the vehicle’s age, battery type and availability of replacement parts.
Fortunately, not every battery problem requires complete replacement.
However, buying a vehicle with an undiagnosed battery issue could leave you facing a substantial unexpected expense.
That’s why spending $199 on an AVILOO battery test alongside a pre-purchase inspection could be money well spent.
The test cannot guarantee that a battery will never fail, but it can help identify existing concerns before you commit to buying.
Same Vehicle. Different Battery Condition.
Two used Outlander PHEVs might look almost identical, have similar kilometres and drive well during a short test.
But their battery condition could be very different.
One may have retained most of its original battery capacity, while another may have experienced significant degradation.
That difference could affect electric range, fuel consumption, resale value and the price you’re prepared to pay.
An independent battery assessment gives you more information before making your decision.
How AVILOO Battery Testing Works
At My Auto Shop, we use specialist AVILOO technology to assess the condition of compatible electric and plug-in hybrid batteries.
AVILOO’s FLASH Test connects to the vehicle’s diagnostic system and collects information about the high-voltage battery.
Its analysis can include battery-management data, cell voltages, temperatures and other available measurements.
AVILOO describes its FLASH Test as taking approximately three minutes, without needing to remove the battery or drive the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle and test type, the resulting certificate can provide a State of Health assessment and identify potential battery abnormalities.
This gives buyers independent information that isn’t available simply by looking at the dashboard’s estimated electric range.
Why Combine an AVILOO Test With a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A battery test focuses on the condition of the high-voltage battery.
A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection examines the broader vehicle, including its mechanical condition, brakes, tyres, suspension and other important components.
Combining both assessments provides a more complete picture of the vehicle you’re considering.
At My Auto Shop, our inspectors can visit the vehicle’s location, making it easier to arrange an inspection before purchasing.
Know Before You Buy
A second-hand Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can be a fantastic vehicle, but understanding the battery’s condition is an important part of making an informed purchase.
With specialist AVILOO battery testing, My Auto Shop can help you assess one of the vehicle’s most valuable components before you hand over your money.
Our battery testing prices:
- $199 when combined with a pre-purchase inspection.
- $249 for a standalone battery test.
Testing is subject to vehicle compatibility and availability.
Don’t gamble on the condition of your next Outlander PHEV’s battery. Get it checked before you buy.
Book your AVILOO battery test with My Auto Shop today.