In short, each vehicle manufacturer must meet an increasingly restrictive average CO2 emission for its fleet or face penalties. This penalty will translate to higher prices for our vehicles.

The best way for manufacturers to meet the NVES targets is to sell a heap of Electric vehicles.

The problem is that buyers are showing they don’t want EVs.

Demand has dropped from almost 10% last year to 4% or recorded sales this year. Initial demand was met by early adopters and second wave buyers. Government agencies, large corporations, and some individual stragglers are the only people buying EVs.

EV’s make some sense for localised urban travel. The have zero driving emissions which helps pollution.

However, sales of Hybrids and PHEVs are booming. These vehicles make sense for the long distances Australians travel. They are convenient, economical and don’t restrict our lifestyles. FBT exemptions fuel demand for PHEVs..

The NVES legislation is yet another example of legislation where a government simply gets it wrong and is out of touch with everyday Australians.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the NVES – HERE

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What is different about this PHEV is what they call the Super Hybrid System

As a Plug In Hybrid, the SHS system combines many of the benefits of both EV and a hybrid without the drawbacks. It provides silent, swift acceleration in full-electric mode, or can switch to hybrid- petrol mode for long-range efficiency and quick refuelling.

The EV only range is estimated at around 100km That’s a handy range. Coming from an 18.3kWh capacity battery.

Powered by a fifth-generation 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This engine produces 105kW/215Nm, while the single electric motor has 150kW and 310Nm of torque.

They send power to the front wheels via a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

This Stepless Electric Hybrid System offers four driving modes—pure electric, series, parallel, and energy recovery.

There is a claimed 1200km range from all power sources. I have yet to assess that.

However, the pricing of $47,990 driveaway is something to take notice of.

With the Australian market embracing the benefits of hybrid technology over pure EV vehicles, this Is a smart vehicle for the brand to release.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Jaecoo J7 SHS – HERE

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Pricing starts from $71,990 through to $86,990 plus the usual costs.

There are four models available. XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and the special launch edition Stormtrak

Power comes from combining a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor (e-motor) and 11.8kWh (usable) battery. Total power is 207kW and maximum torque is 697Nm.

This will allow the Ute to have a payload of up to 937kg and tow 3500kg.

RANGER PHEV comes with a 10-Speed Automatic Modular Hybrid Transmission. There is a choice of both drive and EV only drive modes.

The full-time 4WD system was first introduced to Ranger with the 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel.

One really clever feature is the availability of standard Pro Power Onboard.

There is a single 10-amp, 2.3kW socket in the cabin, and twin 15-amp, 3.45kW sockets in the tray.

Pro Power Onboard uses the 11.8kWh battery to provide potentially hours of energy to worksite equipment, campsites, or even a caravan directly from the Ute.

The new model is due in Australia sometime mid-year and I for one am looking forward to driving it.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ranger PHEV  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ranger PHEV  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Other articles

• Ford Ranger PHEV – everything you need to know
• Ford Electric Ute
• Ford Electric Hybrid 4WD Ute coming 2025
• Ford Ranger PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid announced due in 2025

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Not only is it elegant in design but is lacks for almost nothing inside.

The seats are especially comfortable and for the front two occupants there are heating and ventilation and a Multi choice massage function. Let me tell you it works well.

The drivers instrument cluster is a 3D design with multi functionality. Again, it screams Peugeot innovation.

I love the flat bottom and top steering wheel that sits below the raised I cockpit. It allows, for me, perfect positioning of the steering wheel without any obscuring of the instruments.

The 10-inch central touch screen is amongst the best in class for clarity and functionality.

The whole interior ergonomics are first class.

Powering the 408 PHEV is a 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine with a 12.4 kWh battery. This allows around 45km of pure EV only driving, or you can use it as a normal hybrid. You can also save the EV drive if you wish.

The Peugeot is a delight to drive. Its smooth, quiet and comfortable. Its one of those cars that just feels right as soon as you sit in it.

Available by order only the 408 PHEV is definitely worth a drive if you are after a premium PHEV.

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Readers can find more details about the Peugeot 408 PHEV  HERE 

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Instead of the Peugeot 408 PHEV buyers could look at:

Plug in Hybrid vehicles or PHEV are a mixed bag. They can be great and practical, or they can be misused. Either way there aren’t many available.

Buyers could look at the: Audi Q5 PHEV, Citroen C5-X PHEV, Mazda CX-60 PHEV, Lexus NX PHEV

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I recently drove the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV mid spec Aspire.

There are three models, and obviously they add more luxury features as you go. Unfortunately, that also applies to safety as well.

Its comfortable and relatively spacious inside for this size of SUV. Its also quite stylish.

All models come with a  2.4 L 4 cylinder petrol engine. This combines with a 13.8 kWh lithium Ion battery.

The PHEV versions are AWD with twin electric motors. They also come with a single speed transmission and flexible regen braking. Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) and active Yaw control enhance safety and handling.

The EV only range is about 45-50km, but the vehicle can operate in normal hybrid mode as well.

Overall, I enjoyed my time in the Eclipse Cross PHEV. If you are methodical about charging and if you are doing mainly urban kilometres, then a tank of fuel will last a long time.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Eclipse Cross PHEV HERE

 TO LISTEN TO THE Eclipse Cross PHEV RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Eclipse Cross PHEV buyers could also look at:

PHEV vehicles aren’t exactly everywhere. The choices are limited.

Buyers could look at the Kia Niro PHEV, MG HS PHEV, Peugeot 308 GT PHEV,

Alternatively buyers could look at straight Hybrids like: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Kia Niro Hybrid, Nissan QASHQAI E-Power,

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The initial stock is being allocated to pre-existing orders, and the order book is open. Future sales are by individual order only.

Pricing for the 408 PHEV Fastback is from a touch under $68,000 plus the usual costs.

An electric only range of around 50km the PHEV makes it ideal for buyers that have shorter daily driving needs. But they can still head away for a weekend or holidays without any range anxiety.

The 408 brings all the French design qualities that Peugeot is known for.

Elegance, flair, comfort and just a little bit of quirkiness and a lot of personality.

Peugeot has also announced it is also bringing the all electric e-3008 to Australia later this year. As a result, potential buyers can register their interest now. This adds to the choices buyers can make in the 3008 range.

Again the 3008 SUV showcases all the qualities you come to expect from the premium brand.

Readers can get prices and specifications closer to the arrival date.

Peugeot is doing what many manufacturers are, giving buyers a choice of which style of fuel suits their needs.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Peugeot 408 PHEV HERE

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This is essentially a Plug in Hybrid version of the big Q8 SUV.

This offers buyers a choice of localised EV only driving with zero range anxiety issues for longer trips. One clever feature is that drivers can choose to operate like a normal hybrid by turning off the EV drive.

The Q8 PHEV comes with a 17.9kWh battery that is good for a realistic EV range of around 50km. It also has a 3.0L TFSI V6 Petrol engine. This drives all four wheels through the Audi quattro system and a eight speed tiptronic transmission.

The combination is enough for a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds.

Of course, being an Audi Q8 S-Line it comes with a load of premium comfort and luxury features. Heated seats and wireless smartphone connectivity and charging amongst the most practical.

The Q8 PHEV is priced from a bit over $148,000 plus the usual costs.

Plug in hybrid vehicles are good for buyers that are methodical and have a convenient place to charge. Otherwise its too easy to forget the daily charging and simply drive on petrol.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Listeners can find more information about the Audi Q8 PHEV HERE

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Instead of the Audi Q8 PHEV buyers could look at:

Large premium PHEV vehicles are few and far between and it’s a bit of a mixed bag for choice.

Buyers could look at the Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV, VW Touareg R Line PHEV, Land Rover Defender PHEV,  Volvo XC40 PHEV, Range Rover Sport PHEV. Or the  Porsche Cayenne e-hybrid

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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.

It is 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 plug-in hybrid 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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The Touareg comes in one highly specified PHEV version with the only option being a choice of colours.

The Touareg R combines a V6 turbocharged 3.0L petrol engine with a 100kW electric motor for a maximum system power of 340kW plus maximum torque of 700Nm. The R version comes with an 8 Sp automatic transmission and 4MOTION drive train. This is good for a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds.

Maximum electric only range is around 50km, so its ideal for daily city driving. Once the EV range is exhausted the Touareg R operates as a normal e-hybrid with excellent economy.

Both a Mode 2 charging cable (Type 2 to Australian powerpoint) and Mode 3 charging cable (Type 2 to Type 2) are standard, providing at-home and on-road charging flexibility.

As you would expect the Touareg R PHEV comes with almost everything VW can put in there including night vision, wireless smartphone connectivity and charging and matrix headlights.

The VW Touareg is a favourite large SUV of mine, winning multiple OzRoamer SUV COTY awards in the past. Considering it shares many component with the Porsche Cayenne one must question why buy a Porsche when you can get similar for half price. You can buy another car as well.

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