Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a significant transitional technology, offering a "best of both worlds" solution with electric for daily commutes and petrol for long trips, making them popular now, especially in markets like Australia where they bridge the gap before full EV infrastructure is ready, but the long-term future points towards fully electric (BEV) vehicles as technology improves and regulations tighten, making PHEVs a valuable but potentially temporary stepping stone.
The best-selling Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in Australia for 2025, as of late 2025, is the BYD Shark 6 ute, a dominant force due to its popular dual-cab format and the recent FBT exemption, followed by the BYD Sealion 6 SUV and the established Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, with Chinese brands like BYD and GWM leading the market.
The batteries are too small to drive full time on electric. You still have all the maintenance costs of an ICE plus all the maintenance of the electric system. The hybrid systems make them expensive and heavy. And very few people need more range than a battery-electric can provide on a day to day basis.
After 2030 in Australia, petrol (internal combustion engine - ICE) cars won't disappear but will face a significant decline as the market shifts towards electric and hybrid vehicles, with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) leading the charge by aiming to ban new ICE sales by 2035, mirroring global trends, though the Federal government has yet to mandate a national ban, focusing instead on emissions standards and EV infrastructure, meaning a mix of fuel types will dominate, but petrol cars will become less common and potentially harder to finance or sell used.
However, this has since been rescinded, with the original 2030 target restored by Keir Starmer's Labour government in 2024 for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, whilst new hybrid sales are still expected to be phased out by 2035.
Jeremy Clarkson's dismissal of electric cars ties directly into his long-standing role as one of the most outspoken defenders of traditional car culture. In the full quote he insisted, “I will never have an electric car. I can see that people like them and that they're interesting [but] I just like the sound of a V8.
Can You Still Drive a Hybrid Without the Battery? Driving a hybrid without a functional high-voltage battery is generally not recommended. While some hybrids operate on a parallel system where the gasoline engine can function independently, the performance will be significantly compromised.
If you're in for long car trips, choose diesel over petrol engines since they provide more power at lower engine revs. Featuring better fuel economy. Diesel cars give their owners better mpg than their petrol counterparts due to their fuel containing more energy per litre. Lower CO₂ emissions.
Tesla's sliding popularity in Australia comes amid several other trends in the market such as the move away from pure battery electric cars in favour of hybrid vehicles; the increasing availability of cheaper Chinese rivals; and the broader waning appetite for cars that saw Australians buy 10,000 fewer vehicles in ...
Australia's "25-Year Rule" allows importing classic and collectible vehicles (cars, motorcycles, light commercials) older than 25 years, under the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) laws, by obtaining a Concessional RAV (Register of Approved Vehicles) approval to avoid strict compliance with modern Australian Design Rules (ADRs). This "rolling" rule means the vehicle must be at least 25 years old at the time of application, simplifying imports for enthusiasts but still requiring compliance with ADRs relevant to its original build year, plus some modifications for safety like VINs or child restraints.
Rowan Atkinson, a self-proclaimed car enthusiast and early EV adopter, wrote a 2023 Guardian op-ed feeling "duped" by EV claims, arguing they aren't the environmental panacea they seem due to battery production pollution and ethical concerns over mining, suggesting keeping petrol cars longer might be better and calling EVs "soulless" despite their performance. His piece sparked criticism, with some blaming it for slowing UK EV adoption, while others defended his reasonable points about EV lifecycle impacts.
The idea was abandoned partly because the company felt that it would be a bad look, and partly because of its focus on the iPhone.
Plug-in hybrids use battery power to drive shorter distances, often around 30 to 40 miles. When the electric motor depletes the battery pack, a gas-powered engine takes over. Electric cars cost more but save on fuel and maintenance. Plug-in hybrids are less expensive but still use some gas.
The average annual insurance for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) is $2,134, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs/PHEVs) average $1,650 as of March 2025. Premiums for popular models such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are particularly high, reaching averages of $3,334 and $3,110, respectively.
The BYD Song plug-in hybrid SUV series is the world's all-time best-selling plug-in hybrid with over 1,050,000 cumulative sales in December 2023. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was once world's all-time best-selling plug-in hybrid until 2022. Cumulative global sales reached 290,000 units in September 2021.
Top Used Car Brands with High Resale Value in Australia
People are selling their Teslas due to a combination of factors, primarily a backlash against CEO Elon Musk's political alignment and controversial statements, increased competition from other EV makers, concerns about Tesla's depreciation, and some owners finding issues with charging access or service. This has led to declining sales, increased trade-ins, and some owners feeling disconnected from the brand, with many selling to distance themselves from Musk's public image.
The cheapest months to buy a car are typically December and January, when dealers clear out old inventory for new models, and during the End of Financial Year (EOFY) sales in June, as they race to meet targets. Other great times include the end of the month/quarter (for sales quotas) and around new model releases, when older versions get discounted.
Australia's slow EV adoption isn't outright opposition but a mix of high upfront costs, range anxiety due to sparse charging infrastructure, misinformation/myths, lack of diverse models, and Australia's unique geography/population density, all compounded by political/media narratives and vested interests in fossil fuels. While growing, the challenges include fewer chargers per EV than in other nations, concerns about long-distance travel, and a general lack of understanding or trust in the technology, despite lower running costs.
Lifespan of Cars
Petrol cars can last 10–20 years, so even if new ones stop being sold by 2035, many could still be on roads into the 2050s or beyond.
Higher NOx emissions: Diesel fuel produces higher emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter than petrol fuel. These pollutants can contribute significantly to air pollution and have adverse health effects. Higher cost: Diesel fuel is often more expensive than petrol fuel, particularly in urban areas.
Petrol cars are the cheapest to insure, on average. Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most expensive.
Your battery has an extremely low capacity. Your battery terminals or B+ connectors are loose. The vehicle isn't sufficiently charging the battery while you're driving. Components drain the battery while your vehicle is idle.
5 Common Hybrid Car Problems and How to Fix Them
The answer is a resounding “yes” for most hybrid models. You can even use a hybrid car to jump-start another vehicle. However, it's important to remember that both the high-voltage and the 12-volt batteries can lose power.