Hybrids vs EVs: Which is the better option?

With fuel prices on their way up again, you may well be thinking of ditching your reliance on servos. We’ve already started to see a rise in requests for hybrids and EVs, but which is the better choice?

Hybrids vs EVs: What’s the difference?

Although both use electricity as a power source, they do it in different ways.

EVs are fully electronic. They have lithium ion batteries that you need to keep charged. For city driving, most people can do this cheaply and easily at home. For longer journeys, the growth of Australia’s EV charging network is making it easier and easier to top up on the go. The driving range on EVs starts around 250km and currently goes up to 600km, although in 2027 two EVs are coming to Australia with ranges north of 800km.

Hybrids use both petrol and batteries. Most of these cars generate their own electricity to charge their batteries so you don’t need to remember to plug them in (although plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 do exist though). The driving range on hybrids is higher than EVs, with 1000km entirely possible.

Which is cheaper to buy?

On the whole, hybrids are cheaper than fully electric vehicles. Recognisable models like Hyundai’s i30 and Santa Fe, and Toyota’s Camry and RAV4, come as hybrids.

If you’re looking on the second hand market, you’ll have more options with hybrids too, because they’ve been around longer. They also hold onto their resale value better if you’re thinking about selling in the next few years.

Electric vehicles are getting cheaper every year, though. While they were premium not too long ago, a brand new BYD Atto 1 is available from $24,000. More economy models are expected on the market in the coming years.

Which is cheaper to run?

Ongoing costs depend a lot on fuel prices and electricity prices. As things stand, it’s much cheaper to charge an electric car than it is to fill a regular petrol car. The rule of thumb is that petrol is around five times more expensive over the year.

Maintenance is another issue. Tyres on EVs do wear out a little bit faster, but because there’s fewer moving parts in the engine the servicing costs are actually lower too.

At the moment, EVs are more expensive to insure. This can change by provider or car model, but generally hybrids are 75% of the EVs cost.

What are the most popular EVs in Australia?

Looking at sales figures from July 2026, these are the most popular EV brands in Australia:

1. BYD
2. Tesla
3. Geely
4. Kia
5. Jaecoo

There’s a clear gap in the list. BYD and Tesla are way out in front, followed by a group of five (Geely, Kia, Jaecoo, Zeekr and MG) who are all on roughly the same sales figures. After that, there’s another small group (VW, Hyundai and BMW) before the numbers drop off significantly. 

The most popular models at the moment are:

1. Tesla Model Y
2. BYD Sealion 7
3. Geely EX5
4. Jaecoo J5
5. Zeekr 7X

What are the most popular hybrids in Australia?

Again, looking at sales figures from July 2026, these are the most popular hybrid brands in Australia:

1. Toyota
2. Hyundai
3. Kia
4. GWM
5. Honda

Interestingly, while Toyota’s sales figures have dropped (quite considerably) in this segment, the other four brands on this list have increased their sales significantly. 

Looking at the most popular hybrid models, Toyota is in the lead there, too:

1. Toyota RAV4
2. Hyundai Tucson
3. Hyundai Kona
4. Toyota Corolla
5. Toyota Corolla Cross

Financing an EV or hybrid

If you’re interested in either a full electric vehicle or a hybrid, your first call should be to see what you can borrow. Give us a call to get a free quote and see if you’re in a position to make the switch.

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