Hertz plugs into hybrids

Hertz customers at Auckland Airport can now rent a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hybrid SUV.

The car rental giant’s first hybrid option in New Zealand, Outlander PHEV offers customers both an ordinary AC mains connection or a new DC fast charge socket that allows a full charge in about 20 minutes.

Using the standard AC outlet, a full charge from empty takes 6.5 hours overnight offering emission-free driving to Hertz customers with a combined fuel economy cycle (based on ADR 81/02 lab tests) of 1.7l/100km according to Mitsubishi Australia.

The AWD Outlander PHEV also allows for three driving modes using either the standalone electric motors and battery, the electric system in series with the petrol drivetrain or using both systems in parallel.

The Outlander also comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, reversing camera and sensors on both spec levels, and collision avoidance features like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise on top-spec Exceed.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer the 2017 Outlander PHEV from Mitsubishi with its extended battery range and DC Fast Charge capability,” Mark Righton, Hertz NZ country manager

“We know this is important to both our business and leisure customers on tight time schedules.”