The 5 Cheapest PHEVs in Australia (2025)

Let’s get the elephant out of the garage first: the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) is officially over. As of April 1, 2025, novated lease buyers can no longer take advantage of lucrative tax break on new PHEVs.

Even without the FBT sweetener, there are still some compelling reasons to consider a PHEV in Australia. With a growing list of options and a market that’s heating up fast, these petrol-electric crossovers and utes offer the kind of versatility that suits everyday Aussie driving: long distance driving and outback escapes.

We've been tracking EV trends closely for years and have seen plug-in hybrids evolve from a niche segment to mainstream contenders. Whether you're EV-curious or not quite ready to go full battery, PHEVs can be the perfect bridge between internal combustion and electric freedom.

So, let’s dive into five of the cheapest PHEVs you can still buy in Australia—and why they’re worth your attention in a post-FBT world.

▶️MORE: Electric Car FBT Exemption Explained (2025)

BYD Sealion 6

This one’s a bit of a game-changer. BYD’s newest SUV offering, the Sealion 6 Essential, recently slid into the market as the cheapest PHEV currently on sale in Australia.

Starting at $42,990 before on-road costs, it undercuts the competition without skimping on features. This base variant still uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine and Blade battery tech as its pricier sibling, but pairs it with just one electric motor to keep costs down.

Electric range? A solid 92km (WLTP)—more than enough for most daily commutes. And with a six-year/150,000km warranty (plus eight years/160,000km for the battery), it’s not just affordable—it’s reassuring.

This car is already flying off showroom floors. Two months into 2025, the Sealion 6 has become BYD’s second-best seller in Australia, sitting just behind the brand’s other plug-in hybrid, the Shark 6.

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Price and Specs

Leapmotor C10 REEV

The Leapmotor C10 REEV is a medium SUV priced from $43,888 to $47,888 before on-road costs. It has the longest pure-electrc range on this lst.

Unlike traditional plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), the Leapmotor C10 REEV doesn’t use its petrol engine to drive the wheels. Instead, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine serves exclusively as a generator to recharge the 28.4kWh battery, which powers the 158kW rear electric motor. This setup allows for a 170km electric-only range (based on NEDC testing), while the petrol generator extends the range to an impressive 1150km.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV

Now, this one’s on borrowed time. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV ES is technically still available, but only while dealer stock lasts. It’s no longer being built for Australia due to changing regulations, so if you want one, you’d better act fast.

At $47,790, the PHEV offers solid value. You get a 55km WLTP electric range, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and Mitsubishi’s robust warranty: 10 years/200,000km (if serviced at a Mitsubishi dealer), plus eight years/160,000km for the battery.

Under the bonnet sits a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery—a modest setup, but well-suited to suburban life with occasional longer road trips.

If you can still find one, this is a reliable entry point into plug-in hybrid ownership.

▶️MORE: Best Plug-in Hybrid Electric Cars in Australia (2025)

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

A step up from the Eclipse Cross, the Outlander PHEV ES is one of the most established names in Australia’s plug-in space—and its future here is secure.

At $57,290, you’re getting a larger battery (20kWh) and a claimed electric range of 84km (NEDC), plus the same dual-motor AWD setup. It’s a more spacious, tech-packed SUV and a better fit for families or buyers who want a little more room to grow.

What stands out with the Outlander is refinement—it feels a step more polished than its smaller sibling, and Mitsubishi continues to improve it with each update.

As always, warranty is strong: five years standard (extendable to ten if you stick with Mitsubishi servicing), plus the eight-year battery coverage.

▶️MORE: Electric Car Range: Everything You Need to Know

BYD Shark 6

The BYD Shark 6 Premium made waves last month by outselling the Isuzu D-Max, cementing its place as one of Australia’s top new utes.

At $57,900 before on-roads, it’s currently the only Shark 6 variant available locally. It pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors and a 29.58kWh Blade battery, offering a claimed electric range of 100km (NEDC).

Its main limitation? A towing capacity of 2500kg, falling short of the 3500kg offered by top-selling rivals.

Like all BYDs, it comes with a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Shark 6 Specs & Features

▶️MORE: Every Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) Available in Australia (2025)

What PHEVs Still Get Right

Sure, the FBT exemption is gone for PHEVs, but don’t write them off just yet.

For many Aussies, plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds: daily electric driving without range anxiety, and the freedom to go bush or head interstate on petrol when needed.

The five vehicles above offer a great mix of value, range, and capability. Whether you’re city-based, tradie-focused, or raising a family, there’s something here to bridge the gap to full electrification.