Electrically heated catalyst

An electrically heated catalyst by comprising:

• a heat generation element that is electrically energized to generate heat so that a catalyst is heated by the generation of heat;
• a case that receives said heat generation element therein;
• an insulating support member that is arranged between said heat generation element and said case for supporting said heat generation element and insulating electricity;
• an inner pipe that is a tubular member which is inserted into said insulating support member so as to be located between said heat generation element and said case, wherein said inner pipe has an end thereof protruding into an exhaust gas from an end face of said insulating support member, and said inner pipe has an electrically insulating layer formed on an entire surface thereof, or said inner pipe is formed of an electrically insulating material;
• and
• a catalyst having an oxidation function that covers at least an outer peripheral surface of a protrusion portion of said inner pipe protruding into the exhaust gas from the end face of said insulating support member, except for a predetermined range which is in contact with the end face of said insulating support member.