For the YTD EV sales are around 13% of sales. I still believe that at year end they will be 9-10%

This surge is driven by three factors.

• Higher petrol pricing simply because successive Australian governments have failed to secure adequate supplies of local refined fuel.
• Continued government incentives for EV purchases with the electric car discount
• The ridiculous NVES legislation starting to penalise and affect manufacturers.

All three of these factors show extremely poor government policy, that ultimately you and I, the taxpayers will pay for.

Currently there are around 110 EV models available for sale. With more brands and models joining almost every month.

The problem with increased EV sales is everything that revolves around that.

Yes, EV have zero localised driving emissions. However, to produce them they are worse that normal vehicles.

Also increased EVs mean more charging infrastructure is needed, and Australia is lagging in that respect. Our vast distances will always be a problem. Inner city is a different issue.

On top of that charging cars consumes electricity at a rate that is frightening.

Given the increasing reliance of wind and solar power, Australia is incapable of meeting that demand.

As usual successive governments have proven to be short sighted in their policy making and again we the taxpayer will be affected.

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Im Rob Fraser

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Driven by the need to meet the draconian NVES rules in Australia, a few brands are now offering PHEV Utes.

The JAC Hunter PHEV is based on the T9 Dual Cab Ute.

Powered by a  powerful plug-in hybrid petrol-electric engine. It  combines an efficient all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This has front and rear electric motors and  delivers 385kW of power and 1000Nm of torque.

On paper those figures are substantial. But recent history has shown us that in PHEVs that doesn’t always translate to real word driveability.

JAC is targeting an electric-only driving range of at least 100km* from Hunter’s state-of-the-art lithium-iron phosphate battery pack.

This will allow reasonable range for daily drives.

Also available is a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system. Allowing owners to power tools, appliances, and even provide emergency backup power from the vehicle’s battery.

As well as an extensive localised testing regime and suspension tuning, the JAC Hunter comes with front and rear differential locks alongside five off-road drive modes.

Inside there is a 10.4-inch digital touchscreen and infotainment system. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. For the driver there is a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster.

Reservations for the JAC Hunter PHEV are available from 5^th of May, with vehicles arriving in dealerships from mid-2026.

For the first 1000 orders there is a free home charger on delivery of their Hunter.

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A traditional hybrid like the Toyota Camry uses regenerative braking and its petrol engine to recharge a small battery. The main benefit is convenience: drivers never need to plug in, and fuel efficiency is significantly better than a conventional car.

Hybrids are especially efficient in city driving, where stop-and-go traffic allows frequent energy recovery. They also tend to cost less upfront than plug-in hybrids and require no changes to driving habits. However, their electric-only range is very limited, meaning they still rely heavily on fuel and cannot operate for long without emissions.

In contrast, a plug-in hybrid such as the Mitsubishi Outlander  has a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source. This allows drivers to travel moderate distances—often 50 to 70 km—on electricity alone.

For short daily commutes, a PHEV may use little or no petrol, reducing fuel costs and tailpipe emissions. The downside is higher purchase price, increased vehicle weight, and the need for regular charging access. If not charged consistently, a plug-in hybrid may offer little advantage over a regular hybrid.

Ultimately, hybrids prioritize simplicity and efficiency, while plug-in hybrids offer greater electric capability but require more commitment and infrastructure.

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Im Rob Fraser

Hybrid Electric Vehicles vs Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

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Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) both reduce fuel use, but they differ significantly in benefits and challenges.

A fully electric vehicle such as the Kia EV5 runs entirely on battery power. Its main advantage is zero tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce localised air pollution. EVs can be cheaper to operate because electricity may cost less than petrol, and they have fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance needs. However, they are significantly more expensive to buy.

They also provide smooth, quiet performance and instant torque. However, EVs can have limited driving range compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, and long-distance travel depends on access to charging infrastructure. Charging times can also be longer than refuelling a gas tank, which may be inconvenient for some drivers.

In contrast, a plug-in hybrid like the Haval H6 GT combines a battery-powered motor with a petrol engine. This setup allows drivers to travel short distances on electricity alone while relying on fuel for longer trips. The main benefit is flexibility: there is no “range anxiety” because the petrol engine provides backup.

PHEVs can be ideal for commuters who drive short distances daily but occasionally travel far. On the downside, You have to charge them for maximum efficiency, they still produce localised driving emissions when using petrol  and require maintenance for both the electric system and the internal combustion engine. They are also often more complex mechanically.

Overall, EVs maximize localised environmental benefits, while PHEVs balance electric efficiency with petrol -powered convenience.

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Battery Electric Vehicles vs Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

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Now the Q5 has been driven several times by us and it’s a favourite, right through the range.,

The Q5 PHEV version adds to that list. It comes with all the style, comfort and luxury you expect from a Q5. It also comes in both SUV and Sportback styles.

With a claimed pure electric range of 55km it may not seem like much. But research shows that most people drive anywhere between 30-50km a day and at that rate it seems perfect. We were getting a but under 50km when we drove it.

Drive it by day and plug in overnight. Seems simple right.

Powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 270kW and an impressive 500Nm.

This makes the Q5 PHEV the most powerful Q5 model ever, and with its seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology, delivers a 0-100km/h time of just 5.3 seconds.

The slight downside is price. Its starts from $102,900 plus the usual costs and that’s getting up there.

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Everything you need to know Audi Q5 PHEV – Can be found HERE 

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