Electric Cars vs Plug in Hybrids: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between electric cars and plug-in hybrids these days feels a bit like picking between oat milk and almond milk, you know both are better for you, but which one actually suits your lifestyle? With so much buzz around clean driving, it is easy to get swept up in the hype without really knowing what works best for your daily commute, budget, and weekend road trips. 

Keep reading until the end, you might be surprised where you land. This isn’t just about engines and batteries, it is about being part of a shift that is changing the way we move, live, and think about the road ahead. And by the time you hit the bottom of the page, you will see exactly where you fit into the future of driving in Australia. 

What’s Inside:

• The Rise of Greener Driving in Australia
• Electric Cars vs Plug in Hybrids: Which One Should You Buy?
• Things to Consider Before Making the Switch
• Make the Smart Move with Motor Matcher

The Rise of Greener Driving in Australia

You have probably noticed more electric cars and plug in hybrids on the roads lately, that is because they are quickly becoming a popular choice for Aussie drivers. In May 2025, plug in vehicles like battery EVs and PHEVs made up around 12 per cent of all new car sales, with over 10,000 battery EVs and just over 3,000 PHEVs sold out of roughly 109,000 new vehicles.

When you include mild hybrids, nearly 29 per cent of new cars sold are now considered green vehicles. Just a couple of years ago, battery EV sales sat at around 33,000. In 2024, that number jumped to 91,000, and in 2025, experts expect it to reach around 130,000 or about 11 per cent of the market.

Electric Cars vs Plug in Hybrids: Which One Should You Buy?

Both are designed to reduce fuel costs and emissions, but they work in very different ways, and choosing between them really comes down to your lifestyle, driving habits, and what you want out of your next vehicle.

Let’s break it down so you can make the right call.

What is the Difference?

Electric cars run purely on electricity. There is no petrol engine, just a battery and an electric motor. That means zero tailpipe emissions, whisper-quiet drives, and lower running costs. But it also means you will need to charge it regularly and plan around driving range.

While plug in hybrids are the middle ground. You get a small electric battery that can be charged, plus a petrol engine as a backup. You can drive on electricity for short trips (usually 40–80km), then switch to petrol when needed. Handy if you want the benefits of electric driving without the range anxiety.

Running Costs

Electric cars generally win here. Electricity is cheaper than petrol, and with fewer moving parts, there is less to maintain, no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems to worry about.

Plug in hybrids still save you money compared to a regular petrol car but keep in mind, if you don’t plug it in often, you are basically just driving a heavier petrol car. To get the most out of a PHEV, you need to be diligent about charging.

Environmental Impact

Electric cars are the clear winner when it comes to emissions, especially when charged using renewable energy. They produce no tailpipe emissions at all. Plug in hybrids still burn petrol once the battery’s flat, but they can significantly reduce your footprint if most of your driving is done on electric power.

Purchase Price and Incentives

Electric cars used to be significantly more expensive, but prices are dropping fast, and government rebates can help make the switch more affordable. Some novated lease options can also offer big tax savings. Plug in hybrids are generally cheaper upfront and may suit those wanting to ease into electric driving without fully committing.

Things to Consider Before Making the Switch

Before you jump into buying electric cars or plug in hybrids, it is worth taking a step back and thinking about how the car will fit into your life, not just your budget. 

Your Driving Habits

How far do you usually drive in a day? If most of your trips are short commutes, school drop-offs, or runs to the shops, a fully electric vehicle could suit you perfectly. But if you often do longer drives, especially in regional areas where charging stations are still catching up, a PHEV might give you more flexibility and peace of mind with its petrol backup.

Charging Access at Home or Work

Do you have somewhere convenient to charge the car overnight? A garage with a power outlet or the ability to install a wall charger makes owning an EV or PHEV far more practical. If you live in an apartment or rely on street parking, it is worth checking if nearby charging options exist, and whether you’re prepared for a bit more planning when it comes to refuelling.

Lifestyle and Future Plans

Is your family growing? Planning more road trips? Downsizing? Think beyond the next year. electric cars and plug in hybrid tech are evolving fast, but infrastructure and resale markets are still maturing. Choose a car that won’t just meet your needs today, but can adapt with you over the next five to ten years.

Maintenance Preferences

EVs generally require less maintenance, while PHEVs still rely on traditional engine servicing. If you prefer to keep things simple and reduce workshop visits, an EV might feel like a breath of fresh air. But if you like having a backup plan, and are comfortable with a bit more upkeep, a PHEV offers a nice middle ground.

Make the Smart Move with Motor Matcher 

Whether you are leaning towards the zero-emission freedom of electric cars or the flexible range of plug in hybrids, one thing’s clear, both options are smarter, cleaner, and more future-focused than traditional petrol vehicles. The right choice comes down to your lifestyle, driving habits, and how far you’re ready to embrace electric.

Still weighing things up? Motor Matcher is your all-in-one online platform to research, compare, buy, or sell vehicles. So go ahead, book that test drive, crunch the numbers, or explore through trusted providers. However you choose to move forward, Motor Matcher is here to make sure you drive away confident.