There’s no denying that the direction of today’s car market is going towards greener, cleaner, vehicles. Even with the major setbacks to the automotive industry during COVID-19, sales for Hybrid and electric cars have continued to steadily grow. So much so, sales for hybrid cars increased by 93.7% from 2019. It’s clear, there’s a demand for hybrids. But why? And should you also consider getting one?

What are Hybrid Cars?

Hybrid cars are vehicles that utilise a combination of electricity and petrol to power the motor. There are three different types of hybrids, each operating differently. However, in Australia, most hybrids use a combination of a petrol engine as the primary source of power, and a small battery electric motor.

The Three Kinds of Hybrid Cars

1. The HEV (Hybrid-electric)

These are the most common types of hybrid cars currently on the market. HEV’s wheels are powdered in three different ways- either by an engine, by the electric motor alone, or by working together. When decelerating or braking, electricity is produced and stored in the battery for later use. These batteries are large enough to power the car up to 2 kilometres.

2. The MHEV (Mild Hybrid)

This hybrid engine never drives the car, it only produces electricity for a generator that recharges the car’s very own batteries. Talk about efficiency.

3. PHEV (Plug-in hybrid)

As the name implies, these hybrids are plugged into an electric outlet to recharge their batteries. Viewed as the happy medium of a conventional hybrid and electric car, these vehicles have larger batteries than regular hybrids, enabling them to drive further distances on electric power alone.

Why Should You Buy a Hybrid Car?

The main advantage most people are aware hybrids are known for, are their reduced environmental impact. Compared to conventional petrol or diesel-engined cars, hybrids consume less fuel, which equates to emitting less CO2. Hello environmentally conscious consumers, this may be the car for you! If you are wanting to decrease your carbon footprint, driving a hybrid will let you emit less pollution, producing 10% fewer smog inducing emissions than other non-hybrid models.

While hybrids do reduce the amount of petrol and emissions you consume. It really depends on how you drive your car and where you source your electricity. If you frequently find yourself going on short journeys which use battery power, and charge it using this renewable energy, then a hybrid is without a doubt more environmentally friendly. As this type of driver, you’ll be emitting zero carbon in the atmosphere. However, if you’re using your hybrid combustion engine (which produces the same emissions as conventional petrol and diesel cars), sorry to break it to you, but they won’t be any better for the environment than your standard car. Now that the hybrid-environment debate is set straight, there’s plenty of other benefits a hybrid can offer than just reducing your carbon emissions.

The Hybrid Car Benefits You Need to Know

1. You Get to Spend Less on Fuel

Yes, you read that correctly. A requirement for less fuel essentially allows you to reduce the number of visits to your neighbourhood petrol station. Hybrids can travel for about 885km between pit stops, meaning you should be able to cut your refuels in about half. Who doesn’t want to save on time as well as money! While you may be able to spend less on fuel, don’t forget to keep getting regular car services!

2. More Benefits

Owning a hybrid is like being a part of a secret society, which provides exclusive benefits. Whilst these rewards are currently more substantial in the UK and the States, both Queensland and New South Wales can receive benefits with a hybrid on the drive. Queenslander hybrid owners can expect to pay a lower stamp duty of 2 per cent. So for a buyer of a $49,900 Nissan Leaf model, those from the Sunshine state can save around $500 in stamp duty, compared to four-cylinder vehicles that have a rate of 3 per cent. New South Wales owners receive a discount on registration costs for electric as well as hybrid vehicles.

What are The Best Hybrids Cars In Australia?

So you’re looking for an eco-friendly, dollar reducing way to travel, and you’ve unsurprisingly decided hybrids are the way to go! But what model is best for you? With a plethora of hybrids on the market today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options. The team at Novus Glass are here to help, as we’ll drive you through some of the best hybrid options currently available in Australia.

1. Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid (HEV)

Affordable, practical and user friendly, it’s easy to see why Toyota is the leader of hybrid cars.
The Corolla models are possibly the most cost-effective hybrid cars in Australia, with the SX Hybrid being only $1500 more. Although taking the general features that have made the Corollas a household name, the Toyota Corolla SX hybrid offers a sharper style, and more refined drive, all at surprisingly affordable price. Making this model a great option for young or first-time hybrid buyers. Packed with well-rounded driver ergonomics, and predictable handling, it’s easy to see why you should buy the Toyota Corolla SX hybrid.

• Price from: $28,370, plus on road costs
• Engine: 1.8-litre petrol engine
• Fuel consumption: fuel consumption figure of just 3.8 litres per 100km
• Electricity-only range: 53kW/163Nm electric motor
• CO2: 81G

2. Mitsubishi Outlander

As one of the earliest adopters of the plug-in hybrid technology, Mitsubishi knows hybrids, with the Outlander PHEV being one of the most recognisable models to date. Combining low emissions and a quiet, superior driving experience, Mitsubishi has also dropped entry prices by $5000, making the Outlander PHEV accessible to more. As a PHEV, you can plug your Mitsubishi into a household socket to charge overnight. With the combination of AWD stability and handling and advanced safety features, the Outlander PHEV is a five-star safety vehicle with added environmental benefits! Eco and safety-conscious drivers, this one is for you.

• Price from: $45,990 plus on-road costs
• Engine: 2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine/twin electric motors
• Fuel consumption: 1.7L/100km
• Electricity-only range: 54km
• CO2: 46g/km

3. Honda Accord Hybrid

In the minds of some, hybrids are smaller vehicles. However, hybrids don’t always equal compact. As one of the most recognisable Honda vehicles, drivers can expect performance and efficiency, without sacrificing space. Powerful and spacious, the Honda Accord provides plenty of cargo space, making your weekly shops a walk in the park. As the perfect practical car, the Honda Accord Hybrid is ideal for growing families requiring multiple car seats, as well as road trip fiends wanting sufficient leg space.

• Price from: $47,990 plus on-road costs
• Engine: 2-litre, four-cylinder petrol/twin electric motors
• Fuel consumption: 4.3L/100km
• CO2: 98g/km

4. BMW 330e iPerformance PHEV

Prestige and environmentally friendly, the BMW 330e iPerformance PHEV is a hybrid that perfectly blends style and eco-friendly technology. As a premium midsize car, that’s renowned for its driving dynamics and luxury appeal, the 330e is a plug-in hybrid allowing you to travel around 30km, which is more than enough for the average commute for most. If you want to combine fuel efficiency and environmentally friendly features with luxury, the BMW 33e iPerformance could be the model for you.

• Priced from: $75,900
• Engine: 2 litre four-cylinder petrol engine
• Fuel use: 2.2L/100/60KM electric range

5. Toyota Camry Hybrid (2020)

We did mention that Toyota led the game in hybrids, so it didn’t feel criminal listing another Toyota model on our list. The Camry is by far Australia’s best-selling medium-sized hybrid. For the price tag, you get more than what you pay for, which possibly contributes to its popularity. With plenty of space and power, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a well-balanced hybrid, which uses the least amount of fuel, using just 4.5 litres per 100km (which is even less than the smaller Prius!). With soft-touch surfaces and increased interior space, the Toyota Camry 2020 nHybrid is a five-seater that provides a quieter more comfortable ride around town!

• Price from: $30,590 plus on-road costs
• Engine: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol/twin electric motors
• Fuel consumption: 4.2L/100km
• CO2: 96g/km

Will a Hybrid Suit Me?

If you’re still wondering if a hybrid is for you, we’re here to break it down. If you do most of your journeys around town, you’ll likely reap the benefits of a hybrid, being able to run mostly on electric power. Essentially, we’re talking about free travel here! If you do frequent short trips around the city and don’t require the extra reliability of a hybrid, then an electric car will provide you with cheap travel with no emissions. If you’re someone who often travels on the motorway, you’ll probably want to opt for a diesel car instead, as hybrids are at their least efficient on motorways.

If you have a broken or cracked windscreen, the specialists at Novus Autoglass offer services that can help you. To get your vehicle back in top condition, speak with a member of our team today on 13 22 34, or contact us online. To read more on the latest updates in everything auto, you can visit our blog.