Top five plug-in hybrid vehicles on sale now

If you still don’t know what a plug-in hybrid vehicle is – better known as PHEV (P-H-E-V or ‘fev’) – then to find out all about them, do yourself a favour and read this.

Right now, right here you check out our top five fuel-saving PHEVs that are on sale now.

As good fortune has it, there’s one to suit every taste.

There are a few Hyundai IONIQ models available: all-electric (EV), petrol-electric hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which is what we’re dealing with here, priced from $41,990 plus on-road costs.

Like all PHEVs, the Hyundai IONIQ PHEV combines the best of both EV and HEV worlds by delivering the short-distance zero-emissions range of EVs with the long-distance range of combustion engine power, plus the extra torque of the electric motor present in both powertrains.

In this case there’s a purely electric driving range of around 60km and fuel consumption is 1.1L/100km on the combined cycle. It’s also roomy enough for five adults and it’s packed with tech! Read more about it here.

Mitsubishi was one of the first mainstream car-makers to offer a plug-in hybrid in Oz, introducing the Outlander PHEV way back in 2014.

Since then, we’ve put our fair share through the ringer at carsales, driving one on ice, living with one over several months and, more recently, putting one up against the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Yep, there’s even a fuel-savvy supercar with plug-in hybrid tech – AND it’s the fastest and most powerful production model yet to wear the Prancing Horse badge.

The SF90 Stradale is Ferrari’s first attempt at incorporating petrol power with electricity. To be specific, we’re talking a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 paired to three electric motors, making it good for a 2.5-second sprint to 100km/h from standstill.

Unfortunately, we can’t tell you what it’s like to drive yet, because this month’s global launch was delayed by the Coronavirus, but you can read more about it here.

Yes, there’s a plug-in hybrid version of the 2019 carsales Car of the Year, the BMW 3 Series.

The BMW 330e sedan delivers more power (215kW) than the 330i thanks to an additional 10.3kWh battery, but cost $7000 more ($78,900 plus ORCs) and is not as quick because of the added weight.

Then again, it’s only a tenth slower to 100km/h (5.9sec), still tops out at 230km/h, is a lot more efficient than the 330i (6.4L/100km), offers 60km of pure-EV range and rides/handles just as well as the class-leading 330i.

One of the newer options on our list, the Countryman PHEV combines classic MINI styling with improved fuel economy thanks to its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, for $57,200 before on-road costs.

Wanna find out more about the first electrified MINI? Click here.