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Electric, Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid Cars
Explore electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles from a wide range of leading automotive brands. Whether you’re looking to reduce fuel use, experience electric driving or simply find a more efficient everyday vehicle, compare the options available and discover what best suits your needs.
Find the right electrified vehicle for you
Lower Emissions
Lower Maintenance Costs
Save On Petrol
Lower Operating Costs
Electric vs Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid
| Hybrid | Plug-in hybrid | Electric | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do you plug it in? | No | Yes, but optional | Yes, always |
| Petrol engine? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Electric-only driving | Short distances, low speed | Most daily driving | Always |
| Tailpipe emissions | Yes, reduced | Yes, reduced | None |
| Home charger needed? | No | Recommended | Yes |
Not sure which suits you? Tell our team how far you drive in a week and whether you can charge at home, and we will point you at the right one. We sell all three across our Wynnum and Capalaba dealerships.
Types of Electric & Hybrid Vehicles Explained
Electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles use different combinations of battery power and internal combustion engines. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) run entirely on electricity, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine an electric motor with a petrol engine and do not need to be plugged in, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can be charged externally and also use a petrol engine. Understanding how each system works can help you compare the options and choose the right vehicle for your driving needs.
Mild Hybrid
A mild hybrid combines a petrol engine with a small electric motor and battery system to improve efficiency. The electric motor assists the petrol engine during acceleration and can recover energy while braking or slowing down.
Unlike a full hybrid, a mild hybrid cannot drive using electric power alone and does not need to be plugged in.
Best for: Drivers who want improved fuel efficiency without changing the way they refuel or drive.
Plug-in Hybrid
A plug-in hybrid combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source. Depending on the model and driving conditions, it can travel on electric power alone for part of your journey before the petrol engine is required.
Regular charging helps maximise the fuel-saving and emissions benefits of a plug-in hybrid.
Best for: Drivers who can charge regularly but also want the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer trips.
Electric
A battery electric vehicle runs entirely on electricity, using a rechargeable battery and electric motor. It has no petrol engine and produces no tailpipe emissions while driving.
EVs can be charged at home or at public charging stations, and driving range varies depending on the vehicle, driving conditions, speed, weather and use of features such as air conditioning.
Best for: Drivers who have regular access to charging and want fully electric driving.
Explore Electric & Hybrid Cars at Bartons
Discover electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles available across Bartons dealerships in Wynnum and Capalaba. Browse by vehicle type below to compare your options and find the right fit for your lifestyle and driving needs
Benefits of buying electric
Government Incentives
Government support for electric vehicles can change over time. Eligible battery electric vehicles may qualify for benefits such as the Australian Government’s electric car FBT exemption when provided through an eligible salary packaging or novated lease arrangement. Eligibility criteria apply, so it is important to check the latest government information before making a purchase.
Lower Running Costs
Electric vehicles can offer lower running costs than comparable petrol or diesel vehicles, particularly when charged at home. They also generally require less servicing because electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts and do not require items such as engine oil, spark plugs or fuel filters. Actual savings will vary depending on the vehicle, electricity costs, charging method and driving habits. Australian Government guidance states EV owners may save up to 70% on equivalent fuel costs and around 40% on servicing compared with conventional vehicles.
Lower Emissions
Battery electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions while driving. Plug-in hybrids can also operate without tailpipe emissions while running in electric mode, while hybrids and plug-in hybrids generally use less fuel and produce lower emissions than comparable petrol-only vehicles. Over their full lifecycle, battery electric vehicles also produce significantly lower carbon emissions than comparable petrol and diesel vehicles.