10 Sep Every Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) on sale in Australia in 2022
Offering electric commuting minus the ‘range anxiety’, PHEVs are often a cheaper emissions-free option than full EVs – and there are plenty to choose from.
Between conventional hybrids and full-electric vehicles, there exists a handy third option: the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, often referred to as a PHEV.
Hybrids are familiar, and often affordable, thanks to Toyota’s pioneering Prius range and now a full line-up of available hybrids.
Electric vehicles, on the other hand, represent something of an expensive unknown to a lot of buyers in this relatively early stage of the segment’s growth.
What is a plug-in hybrid EV?
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) can offer the advantages of a battery-electric vehicle without sacrificing the peace of mind that comes with having an internal combustion engine (ICE) under your bonnet.
For the average Aussie commute, most PHEVs can run on electricity for emissions-free motoring, but will function as a conventional hybrid if the battery runs out.
A downside compared with regular hybrids is that the pure-electric driving range requires a bigger battery, which often makes for a heavier and less fuel-efficient vehicle than comparable hybrids, and even some ICE vehicles when using the engine alone.
This weakness might appear to contradict a plug-in hybrid’s low fuel consumption figures, though it’s worth noting that the litres-per-100 km figure assumes you’ve ventured off with a fully-charged battery.
Therefore, optimising the fuel efficiency of a PHEV often comes down to your charging regime.
If you head off with a flat battery, you’ll be dragging around dead weight, but if plugging in every night becomes part of your routine, you’ll make the most of the technology underneath your vehicle.
The growing demand for electric vehicles in Australia has seen buyer preferences shift away from electrified internal-combustion vehicles – a move reflected by several manufacturers.
For example, Hyundai has discontinued the original Ioniq liftback – available as a hybrid, PHEV or full-EV – to focus on its electric-only Ioniq sub-brand, while Kia will no longer offer the Niro with plug-in power… for now, at least.
However, many plug-in hybrid vehicles remain available in Australia, with more yet to arrive.
Below is a list of all the models available locally, starting with the most affordable.
Plug-in Hybrid EVs available in Australia
- MG HS
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Ford Escape
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Cupra Leon
- Cupra Formentor
- Mini Countryman
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class
- Peugeot 508
- Peugeot 3008
- Kia Sorento
- BMW 3 Series
- Lexus NX
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Volvo XC60
- Range Rover Evoque
- BMW X3
- Volvo XC90
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW X5
- Range Rover Velar
- Porsche Cayenne
- Range Rover Sport
- Range Rover
- Porsche Panamera
- McLaren Artura
- Bentley Flying Spur
- Ferrari 296 GTB
- Ferrari SF90
- MORE: PHEVs yet to arrive in Australia.
Article courtesy of WhichCar
