Yes, a hybrid car is often worth it now, especially for city/suburban driving, due to better fuel economy, lower running costs, strong resale value, and no range anxiety, though you must research specific models as savings vary; they offer a great middle ground between gas cars and full EVs, providing efficiency without needing charging infrastructure.
Yes, hybrid cars are generally worth it in Australia, especially for city driving, due to significant fuel savings and lower emissions, with Toyota models often leading in efficiency, though the extra purchase cost takes time to recoup, making them best for those who keep cars longer or drive frequently in urban settings where the electric motor shines. They offer a great balance of fuel economy and convenience over traditional petrol cars without needing external charging like EVs, though savings vary by model and driving style, notes Kia Australia and Drive.com.au.
Buying a hybrid offers a practical alternative to traditional petrol or diesel models—benefits include improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions while driving, and reduced running costs.
The main disadvantages of hybrid cars are a higher purchase price, complex and potentially costly specialized maintenance (especially battery replacement), reduced performance/power compared to conventional cars, and sometimes less cargo space, all due to their dual gasoline engine/electric motor system and added battery weight. They also still produce emissions and may have higher insurance costs.
However, this has since been rescinded, with the original 2030 target restored by Keir Starmer's Labour government in 2024 for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, whilst new hybrid sales are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.
For many buyers, mild-hybrids represent the sweet spot in 2025's automotive market. They deliver tangible fuel savings and improved performance without the infrastructure requirements of plug-in vehicles or the higher purchase prices of full hybrids.
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.
5 Common Hybrid Car Problems and How to Fix Them
The short answer is yes, hybrid car insurance cost is generally higher than for a standard gas-powered vehicle. On average, you can expect to pay about 7% to 11% more for hybrid coverage than for a comparable gasoline car.
While all batteries eventually wear out, hybrid batteries are designed for longevity. You can expect an average lifespan of 80,000 to 100,000 miles, but with proper care, it's not uncommon to reach 200,000 miles or more.
One of the most significant benefits is improved fuel economy. Hybrid vehicles typically achieve 20-35% better fuel efficiency than conventional gasoline cars, resulting in fewer trips to the gas station and significant savings on fuel costs over time. Reduced maintenance costs are another advantage.
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.
Different makes and models use different hybrid batteries, and it varies depending if the vehicle is a mild hybrid, full hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. The battery pack itself is the majority of the cost with variations ranging from around $1,000 to $6,000, although most batteries for common models tend to be under $3,000.
Australia's best hybrid cars consistently feature Toyota models like the RAV4, Corolla, and Camry for their reliability and fuel economy, but strong contenders include the Hyundai Kona/Tucson, Honda HR-V/Civic, and newer options like the BYD Sealion and GWM Haval series, offering great value, particularly in the popular SUV and family segments. The top picks often balance practicality, low running costs, and strong resale, with hybrids dominating the non-ute sales charts.
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.
Yes, hybrid cars work in cold weather, but like any other vehicle, extreme temperatures can affect performance. Cold weather affects components of a hybrid, including the internal combustion engine and battery performance. In low temperatures, the battery becomes less efficient, which can reduce fuel economy slightly.
Disadvantages of hybrid cars
Less power: Hybrids combine both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, with their gasoline engine primarily operated as the power source. Therefore, neither the gasoline engine nor the electric motor works as strongly as they do in conventional gasoline or electric cars.
Studies show that many hybrid models start saving owners money within the first three to four years of ownership. This timeframe accounts for the typically higher purchase price offset by fuel savings and sometimes reduced maintenance costs.
The cost of hybrid car insurance
Yet like fully electric cars, insurers recognise that the engine and parts are more expensive to repair than a conventional car after an accident, so the cost of insurance can be higher.
Most reliable hybrid cars
Keep Your Car Clean
Water entering the battery's cooling system or other components can cause corrosion and lead to electrical shorts, damaging the battery or even causing a fire. Water can also damage electrical components and connectors throughout the car's system, leading to costly repairs.
So, are hybrid cars high maintenance? The short answer is no. Hybrid vehicles require similar maintenance as a standard vehicle, while some components will need less maintenance on a hybrid model.
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.
Though a hybrid vehicle can operate in electric-only mode when gasoline is in the tank, it is not designed to run without gasoline. Doing so could cause severe damage to the hybrid system, so drivers should be sure to keep gas in the tank at all times.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 for a new Toyota Genuine Hybrid Battery.