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Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Reviews

Enjoy some of the benefits of an electric car, with the convenience of a traditional engine.

Ben Gribbin
Ben Gribbin

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Which PHEV car will suit you best?

Compare PHEV models
What to consider
Best PHEV models

PHEV facts

Surprisingly, the first hybrid is a lot older than you think. The Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid was built in 1899. NASA and Boeing investigated the Mixte when designing the Lunar Rover.

How do you pronounce PHEV? Some people pronounce it as a word that sounds like "fev". However, as it is an acronym, saying "P-H-E-V" is also perfectly acceptable.

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.

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.

Looking for a good deal on a new PHEV?

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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.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
$
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comparison Rate (p.a.) Min Loan Amount Loan Term Application Fee Monthly Service Fee Monthly Repayment
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
From 4.67% (fixed)
5.22%
$5,000
3 to 5 years
$400
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.67% 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. Settle the loan before 30 November 2021 and enter the draw to win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. T&Cs apply.
Go to site
More Info
NRMA New Car Loan
NRMA New Car Loan
From 4.99% (fixed)
5.69%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$499
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p. a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 2 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Go to site
More Info
IMB New Car Loan
IMB New Car Loan
4.99% (fixed)
5.34%
$2,000
1 to 7 years
$275.12 ($250 Application fee + $25.12 PPS registration fee)
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
Go to site
More Info
NRMA Used Car Loan
NRMA Used Car Loan
From 6.49% (fixed)
7.19%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$499
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.49% 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.
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More Info
Wisr Secured Car Loan
Wisr Secured Car Loan
From 5.19% (fixed)
5.46%
$5,000
3 to 7 years
$195 (Includes PPSR registration and private sale fee, if applicable)
$0
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.19% p.a. to 17.69% 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.

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More Info
Plenti Car Loan
Plenti Car Loan
From 4.89% (fixed)
5.44%
$2,000
3 to 7 years
from $249 to $799
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a.
Borrow up to $100,000 with a Plenti Car Loan and benefit from no early repayment or exit fees.
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More Info
Credit Concierge Car Loan
Credit Concierge Car Loan
From 3.99% (fixed)
5.08%
$10,000
1 to 7 years
$350
$8.50
You'll receive a fixed rate of 3.99% p.a. with a comparison rate of 5.08% p.a.
Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.

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More Info
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
From 4.05% (fixed)
5.63%
$10,000
3 to 7 years
$700
$8.25
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.05% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with
Apply for up to $250,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
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More Info
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
From 9.99% (fixed)
10.88%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$150
$10
You'll receive a fixed rate between 9.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 10.88% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes and pay off over up to 7 years. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% (13.56% comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.
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More Info
SocietyOne Car Loan
SocietyOne Car Loan
From 6.99% (fixed)
6.99%
$5,000
2 to 5 years
from 0% to 5% of the total loan amount
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 20.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
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More Info
Driva Car Loan
Driva Car Loan
From 3.95% (fixed)
5.1%
$2,000
1 to 7 years
$295 (Varies by lender, starting from $295)
$10
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.95% p.a.
Borrow up to $250,000 with loan terms from 1 to 7 years. Get access to a range of lenders.
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More Info
Symple Loans Personal Loan
Symple Loans Personal Loan
From 5.75% (variable)
6.47%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
from 0% to 5% of the loan amount
$10
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
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