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
| 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
When it comes to types of electric vehicles, the choices people can buy go far beyond those powered by batteries alone. In today's ever-growing electric car market, car buyers can find all types, including options that rely on fuel cells or combine a gas engine in hybrid and plug-in hybrids. When talking about EVs, we generally refer to three main types of electric vehicles: hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV).
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. A plug in hybrid that never gets charged just carries a heavy battery around and uses more fuel than a hybrid would.
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.
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.