The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) has confirmed the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is eligible for the Government's Plug in Car Grant (PiCG), totalling £5,000.

In order to qualify, the Outlander PHEV had to meet a wide range of safety, emissions and performance standards set by OLEV.

There are few hybrids in the market that qualify for the PiCG.

The Outlander's qualification is also unusual as it is a 4x4 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Unlike traditional hybrids, the Outlander PHEV can be driven over a sizable distance, at speeds over 70mph, using just its electric motors.

It can travel beyond the UK average person's daily commute without using any fuel at all and emits 44g/km CO2 (based on EU drive cycle figures), meaning a Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) of £0 and only 5% BIK for company car drivers.

Lance Bradley, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors UK, said: "Having one of the first plug-in hybrid's in the UK market that boasts 4x4 capability with an EV range of 32.5 miles and emissions as low as 44 g/km puts Mitsubishi at the forefront of a new era in the automotive industry.

"The vehicle is extraordinary and very different to other hybrids in the market and we are delighted that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has met the high level of criteria required to qualify for the Plug in Car Grant.

"It will appeal to a wide cross-section of private individuals and business users, with its exciting combination of innovation, style and technology and we are thrilled to confirm that pricing will be announced shortly."