Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid

Mitsubishi is officially recalling its Japanese-market 2013 Outlander plug-in crossover SUV, as well as various i-MiEV electric subcompact models. This follows Mitsubishi suspending shipments of the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid in March, after shipping about 4,000 units of the plug-in Outlander, and 68 i-MiEV vehicles fitted with potentially faulty batteries. The sustained bad news only serves to undermine confidence in Mitsubishi's plug-in vehicles.

Mitsubishi Motors yesterday asked customers not to charge the plug-in hybrid Outlander Plug-in Hybrid after a lithium-ion battery overheated last week, melting the cell and part of the battery pack. In a separate incident, a battery caught fire while being tested at a company factory. Even though no injuries have been reported, and the cause of the incidents is unknown, reports of potential safety issues raise concerns among all EV stakeholders.

Mitsubishi Motors U.K. last week launched the new Outlander crossover SUV, promising that the forthcoming plug-in hybrid version will arrive in the U.K. by June. The European Commission has not yet issued official pricing or fuel economy numbers, but Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi Motors U.K. managing director, said he expected around 150 miles per gallon, and that pricing would be "highly competitive."