Electric & Hybrid Cars in Brisbane
Looking for an electric or hybrid car in Brisbane? Bartons offers a growing range of EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids from leading automotive brands across our Wynnum and Capalaba dealerships. Compare electric and hybrid vehicles, learn about charging and running costs, and find the right option for your lifestyle.
Find the right electrified car for you
Lower Emissions
Save On Petrol
Lower Maintenance Costs
Lower Operating Costs
Electric vs Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid
| Feature | Hybrid (HEV) | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Electric (BEV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engine | Yes | Yes | No |
| Electric motor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plug in to charge | No | Yes, to recharge the battery externally | Yes |
| Electric-only driving | Limited; model dependent | Yes, for trips within its electric range | Yes, always |
| Uses petrol | Yes | Yes, when required | No |
| Tailpipe emissions | Yes | Yes, when petrol engine operates | None |
| Home charging | Not required | Recommended to maximise benefits | Convenient, but not essential |
| Longer trips | Refuel with petrol | Petrol backup and charging options | May require charging stops |
| Best suited for | Drivers wanting better fuel efficiency without plugging in | Drivers who can charge regularly but also want petrol flexibility | Drivers wanting fully electric driving with suitable charging access |
Types of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles Explained
Electric and hybrid vehicles use different technologies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The three main types available to Australian drivers are Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs),Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Each offers different benefits depending on your driving habits, charging access and lifestyle.
Hybrid (HEV)
A hybrid has a petrol engine and an electric motor, and you never plug it in. The battery charges itself from the engine and from braking, so you fill it up at a servo exactly like a normal car. At low speeds and in stop start traffic the electric motor does more of the work, which is where the fuel saving comes from. Most hybrids can run on electric alone for short distances at low speed, but not far and not at highway pace. Best for: anyone who wants lower fuel bills without changing how they use the car, and anyone who cannot charge at home. Worth knowing: a mild hybrid is a different and smaller system. It uses a 48 volt battery to assist the petrol engine and cannot drive the car on electric power by itself.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
A plug in hybrid has a petrol engine, an electric motor and a much larger battery than a hybrid, and you charge it from a power point or a wall box at home. On a full charge most plug in hybrids will cover normal daily running around on electric alone. When the battery runs down the petrol engine takes over and the car keeps going like a hybrid, so there is no range anxiety and no planning around chargers on a long trip. Best for: short weekday commutes with longer weekend or country driving, and households that can charge at home but are not ready to go fully electric. Worth knowing: you only get the savings if you actually plug it in. Regularly charging a plug-in hybrid helps maximise its electric driving benefits. Without charging, fuel consumption can be higher than expected and varies depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.
Electric (EV)
An electric vehicle runs on battery power only. There is no petrol engine, no fuel tank and no exhaust, so there are no tailpipe emissions and no trips to the servo. You charge it at home overnight, or at a public charger when you are out, and most owners find home charging covers nearly everything. Servicing is simpler because there is no engine oil, no spark plugs and no fuel filters, though the car still needs a scheduled service. Best for: anyone who can charge at home and drives predictable distances, which is most people in the Bayside and the Redlands. Worth knowing: range varies a lot between models, and the figure on the brochure is a lab test. Real world range is usually lower, especially on the highway or with the air conditioning working hard.
Explore Electric & Hybrid Cars at Bartons
Explore electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles available from Bartons across our Wynnum and Capalaba dealerships. Browse by vehicle type below to find the right option for your lifestyle.
EV & Hybrid Guides for Brisbane Drivers
Practical answers on charging, range and choosing the right powertrain, from the team at Bartons Wynnum and Capalaba.
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How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV in Brisbane?
Not sure what owning an electric or hybrid car actually looks like day to day? Explore our guides to EV charging, driving range and choosing the right powertrain for life in Brisbane.
EV Charging Costs -
EV Home Charging in Brisbane
From a standard power point to a dedicated home charger, find out how home EV charging works, how long it takes and what setup might suit you.
Home Charging Guide -
How Much EV Range Do You Really Need?
Do you really need the EV with the biggest battery? See how much range you might need for commuting, everyday Brisbane driving and longer trips.
EV Range Guide -
Electric vs Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid
Not sure which one suits you? Compare EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids based on charging, everyday driving, longer trips and running costs.
Compare Powertrains
Benefits of Electric & Hybrid Cars in Brisbane
Government Incentives
Government incentives and tax benefits for electric vehicles can change over time. Eligible battery electric vehicles may qualify for tax benefits such as the Federal Government's electric car FBT exemption when provided through a qualifying salary packaging or novated lease arrangement. Eligibility criteria apply, so we recommend checking the latest information from the Australian Taxation Office and Queensland Government before purchasing.
Lower Running Costs
Electric and hybrid vehicles can cost less to run than comparable petrol vehicles, depending on how and where you drive and, for EVs and plug-in hybrids, how you charge. Charging at home on an off peak rate is cheaper per kilometre than filling up, and cheaper again if you can charge during the day off your own solar. Servicing costs are generally lower too, because a battery electric vehicle has fewer moving parts, no engine oil and no spark plugs or fuel filters to replace.
Lower Emissions
A battery electric vehicle produces no tailpipe emissions at all. Plug in hybrids and hybrids still have a petrol engine and a tailpipe, but they use less fuel and produce fewer emissions than a comparable petrol only vehicle, and a plug-in hybrid can cover most short trips on electric power alone. Electric vehicles are also much quieter, which makes a noticeable difference in traffic and around home.