Five Things to Know Before Buying a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV)

2025-05-15

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are rapidly gaining traction among Australian drivers—and for good reason. Offering the perfect bridge between traditional petrol-powered vehicles and full battery electric vehicles (EVs), PHEVs combine the best of both worlds: fuel savings, electric-only driving, and zero range anxiety.

Before you make the switch, here are five essential things to know about PHEVs to help you make an informed decision.

1. What Is a PHEV?

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is a unique blend of a conventional hybrid (like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid) and a fully electric vehicle (such as a Tesla Model 3). It features both:

A petrol engine
An electric motor
A larger rechargeable battery

Unlike standard hybrids, a PHEV must be plugged in to fully recharge its battery. This larger battery allows for extended electric-only driving, making PHEVs ideal for city commuting and short trips, while the petrol engine ensures you’re never stranded when the battery runs low.

2. Electric Range: How Far Can You Go?

Most PHEVs offer 50–100km of electric-only range, making them perfect for daily commutes. Considering that the average Australian commute is under 40km, many drivers can go days or even weeks without using petrol—as long as they recharge regularly.

Here are some real-world examples:

Jaecoo J7: 106km electric range, 1,200km total range
BMW 330e: 57km electric range, 440km total range
BYD Shark 6 Ute: 80km electric range, 800km total range

With the help of regenerative braking, which recovers energy during driving, PHEVs boost efficiency—but regular overnight charging remains key to maximizing savings.

3. Charging Time: What Should You Expect?

Charging a PHEV is generally faster than charging a full EV due to the smaller battery size. Here’s what typical charging looks like:

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: ~6.5 hours with an AC wall charger (3.7kW) for a 20kWh battery
Jaecoo J7: ~2 hours 40 minutes using a 6.6kW wallbox

If you're planning to buy a PHEV, make sure you understand its charging requirements and times. A faster charger means less downtime and greater fuel savings.

4. Plug It In or Lose the Benefits

One of the most important things to remember: if you don’t plug in your PHEV, you’re missing out. Without charging, you’re essentially driving a heavier hybrid that doesn’t leverage its electric capabilities.

To get the most out of your investment:

Install a home wall charger
Develop the habit of nightly charging
Familiarize yourself with public charging stations

If home charging isn’t feasible, a traditional self-charging hybrid might be a more practical and fuel-efficient alternative.

5. Performance and Power You Can Feel

PHEVs aren’t just about fuel economy—they’re also fun to drive. Many high-performance vehicles now use hybrid technology to deliver both speed and efficiency. A few head-turning examples:

Lamborghini Revuelto – Hybrid supercar with thrilling acceleration
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid – Sports sedan with power and poise

Gone are the days of sluggish hybrids. Today’s PHEVs are quick, refined, and packed with features, appealing to eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance.

Final Thoughts: Is a PHEV Right for You?

With more plug-in hybrid models entering the Australian market, now is a great time to consider making the switch. PHEVs offer:

✅ Lower fuel bills ✅ Reduced emissions ✅ Greater flexibility ✅ Performance and comfort

However, to truly benefit from a PHEV, it’s crucial to have access to convenient charging and be committed to regular plug-ins. Do your homework, understand the specs, and make sure your lifestyle supports the shift to electric driving.

Looking to explore PHEV options in your area? Visit your local dealership or contact our team today to test drive a plug-in hybrid SUV or sedan that fits your needs.

Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.

Credit: CarSales.com.au