What are plug-in hybrid vehicles? Understanding the basics

What are plug-in hybrids?

Plug-in hybrid vehicles, or PHEVs, are both a petrol car and an electric car in one, which means major fuel savings and reduced tailpipe emissions.

Those two factors are behind their rise to become the fastest growing vehicle type in Australia: Industry sales data for the first three months of 2025 shows PHEV sales have almost quadrupled year-on-year.

That’s a strong indicator more and more Australians are waking up to their benefits.

How plug-in hybrids work

Plug-in hybrids have a standard internal combustion engine – or ICE in carmaker terminology – as well as a battery-powered electric motor.

The dual set-up means drivers can switch between modes – and because modern plug-in hybrids now come with battery ranges that can top 70 kilometres, they can effectively act as an electric car for most daily journeys.

As Volvo Cars puts it, PHEVs are an electric car with a backup plan.

Benefits of plug-in hybrid cars

Volvo Cars is a leader in plug-in hybrid innovation and its global driver data shows about half the kilometres travelled in its plug-in hybrid models are in electric mode – which suggests that drivers are drastically cutting fuel bills and emitting far less exhaust pollution.

For longer journeys, the petrol engine can be harnessed either individually, or in conjunction with the battery and motor to increase efficiency, smooth stops and starts and increase power when required, such as overtaking.

Cost savings and efficiency

The fuel savings can be significant over combustion engines. For example, on a combined cycle, Volvo’s XC60 Recharge (T8 AWD) fuel consumption is 1.6 litres/100km. That’s just a fifth of the fuel used by the XC60 B6 AWD variant at 8.0 litres/100km. Plus, it has an electric range of up to 81km, which is more than twice the average daily journey in Australia.

Reduced emissions

Plug-in hybrids also emit far fewer tailpipe emissions than cars that only use petrol or diesel – which means less pollution.

According to the Australian government’s Vehicle Emissions Star Rating, the Volvo XC60 Recharge has combined cycle CO2 emissions of 37 grams per kilometre, way below the average of 171 g/km.

Quick, easy charging

Because plug-in hybrids have a smaller battery than electric-only cars, they can be charged more quickly. Volvo Cars’ plug-in hybrids can be charged in 4-8 hours with a standard 220V household connector – they literally plug into a standard home power point. Installing an AC wallbox takes that down to 3-4 hours. You can also charge them at public chargers – keeping the battery topped up for more kilometres per tank and more electric-mode driving.

Why choose a Volvo plug-in hybrid?

For those seeking more electric journeys and considerate miles, with seamless and intuitive driving via an enhanced one-pedal drive experience, Volvo Car Australia has two plug-in hybrid SUVs: The XC60 Recharge and the seven-seat XC90.

Naturally, given Volvo Cars heritage, both luxury SUVs are packed with safety features, such as oncoming lane mitigation and lane keeping, rear collision warning to help prevent accidents, and side impact protection, whiplash injury protection, and an inflatable curtain to help keep driver and passengers safe in the event of a collision.

They are also loaded with cutting edge entertainment technology, including Google services, Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging and incredible audio systems. Spacious, highest specification cabins with Volvo’s unrivalled seating means driving of the highest comfort.

Committed to sustainability

Volvo Cars is fully committed to sustainability. It has one of the most comprehensive programs of any carmaker and has long been recognised for its leadership in climate action.

This year the company is on track to have electrified 50-60 per cent of its global car sales, including both plug-in hybrid and fully electric models, and by 2030, aims for 90-100 per cent.

Meanwhile, an increasing percentage of the cars’ components are made from recycled and re-used materials.

Discover the future of driving

Able to easily handle the average daily journey in fully electric mode, but with a backup plan for longer journeys, plug-in hybrids present a flexible option for drivers aiming to reduce their tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption.

Packed with technology, award-winning intelligent design, top-rated safety features and supreme comfort, see first-hand how Volvo’s luxury plug-in hybrid range can make your life better.

Find your local retailer here to schedule a test drive, or visit the volvocars.com/au for more details.