‘Zero-cost’ driving Mitsubishi-style

Meet the mum-of-two motoring for free thanks to a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and solar panels.

Roz Drinkwater from Christchurch, Dorset, is enjoying free motoring, thanks to the installation of solar panels on her home to power her Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

She doesn’t pay a penny for the electricity she uses during the day, which means she can charge her PHEV and drive without having to pay for fuel.

The family-sized SUV uses both electric and petrol power and unlike non plug-in hybrid vehicles, the Outlander PHEV can travel up to 32 miles on on battery power alone, which is more than enough for Roz’s journeys (school-run, weekly shop or visiting her mum).

“There’s plenty of battery power to do everything I need to do,” said Roz. “I just stick it on charge when I get home and I never need to go to a petrol station.

“It’s brilliant, I absolutely love it. Even if you take away how economical it is, I would still love the car. It doesn’t feel like you’re driving an electric car, it’s really comfortable.”

Roz bought her Outlander PHEV from Poole Mitsubishi in July and has only filled it up once since then. The solar panels on the family home are on a 20-year lease and as part of the deal, their electricity is free during the daytime.

“I’m literally running it for free,” said Roz, who has an 11-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter.

“There’s no road tax because of how environmentally friendly it is and I’m not paying for charging it. It’s fantastic.”

Roz added: “It’s the perfect car for me. It’s got great boot space for all the children’s stuff and the dog. It blends the practicality and economy with space and comfort. It’s great.”

Just for the record, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV emits just 44g/km of CO2 and the official combined fuel consumption figure is 148mpg.

You can read our Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV verdict here.