Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Reviews

Which PHEV car will suit you best?

What are PHEV cars?

PHEV is short for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. PHEV hybrids differ from other types of low emission cars because they have a rechargeable onboard battery. In almost all of the PHEVs, this power pack can be used temporarily as the sole means of propulsion. However, because it isn't as big a battery as a fully electric car, the EV-only range is somewhat limited. Thankfully, with a conventional internal combustion engine onboard, buyers don't have the range anxiety of a battery electric vehicle (BEV, like the Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Leaf 2).

Interestingly, manufacturers often blend the two technologies together, with the fossil fuel engine and electric motors complementing each other. The result is decreased emissions, especially in towns and improved fuel economy.

In short, you could think of a PHEV hybrid as a car with many of the benefits of an electric car, i.e. low emissions and EV-only mode, with the capability to travel long distances when needed to without having to stop and recharge.

What's the difference between a PHEV and a hybrid/mild hybrid?

As above, the PHEV is a plug-in vehicle with a combustion engine. Generally, they have a larger onboard battery pack than a mild hybrid and the ability to travel in EV-only mode.

A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) is more of a closed system, often with smaller battery banks and generally lacking the ability to run entirely on electric power. In an MHEV, the electric motor supplements the engine and makes use of energy reclamation systems like regenerative braking to recharge the battery. The MHEV could be thought of as the middle ground between a PHEV and a car with a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). A hybrid vehicle (HEV) can run under electric or fuel power but lacks the ability to be plugged-in for topping up. The most widely known HEV is probably the Toyota Prius.

People often call all of the above a hybrid car, which is true, but PHEV, MHEV and HEV more acutely denote the level of hybridisation.

What to consider when buying a PHEV

Here's what you need to know before purchasing a PHEV.

• Range

  When you buy a combustion engine car, fuel economy is one of the biggest things to think about as it directly impacts your wallet at the petrol station. With an electric car, range takes the place of that concern.

  Obviously, the more range you have, the better. That could mean you travel around town exclusively on electric power with your PHEV. Or it could mean the difference between commuting to work and back entirely on electric (and avoiding having to tap into your fuel tank). If you're able to travel on electric power only, that could save you a considerable amount yearly.

• Range Anxiety

  If you made the jump to a fully electric car, you'll get range anxiety at some point. That's because you can only travel a finite amount of kilometres before you need to top-up and charging stations aren't yet as prevalent as ordinary petrol stations.

  With a PHEV, because you can switch to fuel and fill-up at service stations, you don't have the same worries.

• Fuel economy

  Just like any car, the lower the number of litres used to travel 100 kilometres, the less you'll spend on fuel. Look out for cars with the lowest claimed fuel economy figures. Cars like the Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Ioniq and BMW 330e iPerformance all use well under 2.0L/100km combined.

• Servicing costs

  Having an additional electric system housed inside the car can add to maintenance complexity and result in slightly increased servicing costs.

• Purchase price

  With the extra technology and components required to make a PHEV, the initial purchase price might be higher than an equivalent traditional fuel-powered car.

  For example, a five-seater, manual Mitsubishi Outlander starts from just $28,990. Meanwhile, the PHEV variant has a manufacturer's recommended list price of around $47,490. The PHEV Range Rover Sport SE costs more than $20,000 than the non-hybrid model.

• Reduced Emissions

  If you look on the government's Green Vehicle Guide website, the best performing vehicle after EV cars for low-emissions is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, followed by the Mercedes-Benz C300e. Volvo's XC90 T8 and the BMW 330e also place in the top 20.

  If you look at fuel life-cycle emissions, which factors in transportation and the production of fuels, then the Outlander is only 17g/km behind the Hyundai Ioniq EV for CO2 emissions.

• Battery life

  Batteries, like an engine or car itself, have a limited lifespan. How long they last depends on the conditions and temperatures they are used in as well as the type of driving undertaken. That may put some people off buying your PHEV on the used car market.

• Weight

  Carrying around the batteries, wiring, control modules and motors that form the PHEV side of the car is not without penalties. For example, the Range Rover Sport SI4 SE weighs 2,083kg, while the hybrid tips the scale at 2,471kg. You are going to notice that extra 388kg if you drive them back to back, especially in the handling traits of the car.

• Low annual mileage

  If you're not travelling that many kilometres per year, you're not going to reap the same level of cost-cutting and in the long run, a hybrid car may not save you money. The more you travel, the more you'll be able to offset your emissions and fuel costs versus a combustion-engine car.

• Discounted car loans

  Some car loan lenders will offer discount car loans for eligible hybrid and green cars. Read our environmentally friendly car loan guide.

Which PHEV model is best?

That depends on your circumstances. Do you have a family? Are you looking for something sporty? Is it a car you'll drive mostly around town? The answer to these common PHEV questions can be found below.

Which PHEV should I buy for a family car?

That really is dependent on your budget and the size of your family. If the budget is a bit tight, the Outlander is probably the one to go for.

If you want something more luxurious, then the Range Rover Sport will meet those requirements, though they retail for over $135,000.

Which PHEV is the most sporty?

Probably the BMW i8 Coupé/Roadster. It has a unique three-cylinder petrol engine, plus an electric motor generating 275kw combined. It'll whisk from 0-100km/h in only 4.4 seconds.

Which PHEV is good for around-town driving?

Something like the Hyundai Ioniq, with its compact turning circle of 10.6 metres will suit you nicely. It also has an impressive EV-only range.

Which PHEV should I buy for a company car?

The Outlander makes sense thanks to its solid blend of fuel economy and EV range. The BMW or Merc on our list would also place highly as they have been the go-to cars for travelling salespeople for decades.

PHEV car financing

Looking for a pocket-friendly loan for your environmentally friendly car? Use the below comparison table and you could save hundreds of dollars.

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Name	Product	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comparison Rate (p.a.)	Min Loan Amount	Loan Term	Application Fee	Monthly Service Fee	Monthly Repayment
IMB New Car Loan		5.45% (fixed)	5.8%	$2,000	1 to 7 years	$250	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate of 5.45% p.a. A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one up to two years old.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan "Special Offer"		5.49% (fixed)	5.73%	$25,000	1 to 7 years	$175	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate of 5.49% p.a. Take advantage of a competitive rate, pre-approval and no early repayment fees when you finance a car under two years old.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NRMA New Car Loan		From 5.69% (fixed)	6.39%	$5,000	1 to 7 years	$499	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate from 5.69% p. a. Purchase a new car with this loan and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Credit Concierge Car Loan		From 4.79% (fixed)	5.34%	$10,000	1 to 7 years	$400	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.79% p.a. with a comparison rate of 5.34% p.a. Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Loans.com.au - New Car Loan		From 4.89% (fixed)	5.44%	$5,000	3 to 5 years	$400	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a. based on your risk profile Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
RACV New Car Loans		From 5.69% (fixed)	6.39%	$5,000	1 to 7 years	$499	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate from 5.69% p.a. A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Stratton Finance New Car Loan		From 4.69% (fixed)	5.64%	$10,000	3 to 7 years	$700 (for private seller vehicles this fee is $608)	$9		You'll receive a fixed or variable rate depending on the lender you are approved with Apply for up to $100,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CUA Secured Fixed Car Loan		6.79% (fixed)	7.16%	$5,000	1 to 7 years	$265 ($175 Establishment Fee + $90 Security Administration Fee)	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.79% p.a. A secured loan with a high maximum borrowing amount up to $100,000. Redraw facility and no monthly fees.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Australian Military Bank Car Loan		From 5.71% (fixed)	6.57%	$1,000	1 to 7 years	$500 (from $100 to $500)	$10		You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.71% p.a. and 8.66% p.a. based on your personal credit history A flexible loan to help you finance a car, motorbike or boat up to five years old.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MyState Bank Secured Fixed Rate Personal Loan		From 5.99% (fixed)	6.63%	$10,000	1 to 10 years	$200	$5		You’ll receive a fixed rate of 5.99% p.a. ( 6.63% p.a. comparison rate ). Apply for up to $75,000 available with asset security. Only good credit applicants can apply for this loan.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Westpac Car Loan		8.49% (fixed)	9.67%	$10,000	1 to 7 years	$250	$12		You'll receive a fixed rate of 8.49% p.a. Finance a new or used car and benefit from convenient features for car buyers including a car search tool and the option to borrow extra for on-road costs.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
St.George Secured Personal Loan - Fixed Rate		From 8.49% (fixed)	9.6%	$3,000	1 to 5 years	$195	$12		You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a. based on the value of your car Get a competitive rate and apply for a larger loan up to $80,000 when you attach a new or used car as security to the loan.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
IMB Secured Personal Loan		6.45% (fixed)	6.8%	$2,000	1 to 5 years	$250	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.45% p.a. Benefit from this competitive rate by securing the loan with a vehicle up to 6 years old. Use this flexible loan for any purpose.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Latitude New and Used Car Loan		6.99% (fixed)	8.1%	$5,000	1 to 7 years	$295	$10		You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.99% p.a. Apply for a loan from $5,000 to finance a new or used car. Flexible repayments and options to finance a classic car.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Wisr Secured Car Loan		From 5.19% (fixed)	6.08%	$5,000	3 to 7 years	$655 (Includes PPSR registration and private sale fee, if applicable)	$0		You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.19% p.a. to 5.69% p.a. based on your risk profile A flexible car loan from $5,000 - $50,000 with personalised rates and rewards for strong credit customers.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NRMA Used Car Loan		From 6.99% (fixed)	7.7%	$5,000	1 to 7 years	$499	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.99% p.a. Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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