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Once a powertrain technology that incurred a hefty price premium, plug-in hybrids have now become affordable thanks to Chinese car brands.
Family Cars
While the fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemption that wound down in April helped sales surge, a wider variety and falling price point could keep PHEVs in the conversation for those that are not yet ready to make the leap to a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
And nowhere is this more evident than in the mid-size SUV space – Australia's most popular segment – where the cost of entry has been steadily decreasing in the last few years and can now hit a point of parity against some purely-petrol-powered rivals.
If you are shopping for a family SUV with a usable all-electric driving range for commuting, and a backup petrol engine for longer weekend trips, these are currently the most affordable options in Australia.
Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid – From $39,990 drive-away
The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid might be the newest PHEV on this list, but it goes straight to the top for affordability with its attractive $39,990 drive-away sticker price.
Pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 18.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery nets this Chinese family SUV an all-electric driving range rating of 93km on NEDC testing.
When that petrol engine enters the mix, the combined driving range is rated to push out to around 1200km, meaning drivers could travel for weeks before need to refuel or recharge.
BYD Sealion 6 – From $42,990 before on-road costs
Growing Chinese car giant BYD has their Sealion 6 starting from $42,990 before on-road costs in entry-level Essential form.
Using a 1.5-litre petrol engine and single electric motor, the BYD Sealion 6 Essential has a combined 160kW/300Nm at its disposal.
And with an 18.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate ‘Blade’ battery, it's rated with a 92-kilometre electric-only driving range, though a reserve is kept in the battery for the Sealion 6 to function as a hybrid vehicle to ensure fuel consumption remains low over longer trips.
Leapmotor C10 REEV – From $43,888 before on road costs
As a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV), the Leapmotor C10 REEV might not be a traditional PHEV, but needing to charge and fill up at the bowser, the same considerations are in the mix.
Where the Leapmotor C10 differs from others on the list is that its 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine never drives the wheels, instead it charges the battery when needed.
As such, the Leapmotor C10 REEV boasts a 28.4kWh battery rated for 170km of cruising range, based on NEDC lab-testing, which is rated to extend to 1150km with the petrol engine in play.
Jaecoo J7 – From $47,990 drive away
For those wanting a PHEV with more upmarket appeal without breaking the bank, the Jaecoo J7 Summit could fit the bill.
Priced at $47,990 drive-away, the Jaecoo is the Chery Tiggo 7's premium cousin with different styling and a more plush interior.
Underneath is still the same 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor configuration though, and the identical 18.3kWh battery is still rated to net owners a 90km all-electric driving range and 1200km combined range.
Haval H6 GT plug in hybrid – From $55,990 drive away
If all-electric driving range is the most important thing when considering a PHEV, GWM’s Haval H6 is currently the champ – excluding the C10 Leapmotor REEV, that is.
Featuring a 35.4kWh battery pack, GWM is rated with an astonishing 180-kilometre electric-only driving range on the NEDC lab-test standard.
While the real-world range might be below the claimed figure, the battery size is just a touch smaller than the now-discontinued second-generation Nissan Leaf BEV.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – From $57,290 before on road costs
The model that kicked off the plug-in hybrid family SUV trend, the Mitsubishi Outlander remains a popular choice for PHEV buyers.
While the PHEV powertrain was offered in the previous-generation Outlander, the current model melds a high-tech fuel-sipping powertrain with butch styling and a modern interior.
Fitted with a 20kWh battery, this Mitsubishi is rated to deliver an electric-only driving range close to 84km, and will soon be upgraded in the coming months with a larger 22.7kWh battery pack targeting a 100km all-electric figure.
Cupra Formentor VZe – From $64,990 before on road costs
While PHEVs have mainly been the purview of Chinese and Japanese brands, it hasn't stopped Cupra from entering the market with its Formentor VZe.
As a coupe-like SUV with European styling, the Formentor VZe stands out from the rest of the plug-in hybrid family SUV crowd, while still boasting practical levels of space.
However, it features a 13kWh battery pack that is rated for a claimed 50km of electric driving range – lagging behind some newer, and more affordable, competitors.
Mazda CX-60 P50e – From $63,290 before on road costs
The $63,290 before on-road costs of the the Mazda CX-60 Pure P50e might position it as the most expensive starting point for a plug-in mid-sized SUV offering from a mainstream brand, but this time last year it was even more expensive.
Powering the CX-60 PHEV is a 2.5-litire petrol four-cylinder engine, combining with dual electric motors for a 241kW/500Nm total output, while the 17.8kWh battery is rated for a claimed 76km of electric-only range.
Family Cars Guide
Ilana is a Melbourne-based journalist who was previously a copywriter in the Big Apple. Having moved to Melbourne for her Master of Journalism, she has written articles about food, farm machinery, fashion, and now the fast and furious. Her dream car has been a Mini Cooper since the fifth grade, eyeing its style and petite size.
