A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) combines a traditional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and a larger battery that can be charged via an external power source. The vehicle switches between petrol or electric power, or uses both at once, for reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Mazda offers the best of both worlds with their plug-in hybrid technology in Australia, like the CX-60 Skyactiv and the CX-80 Skyactiv PHEV.

The main difference between a Hybrid (HEV) and a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is how the battery is charged and the electric-only driving range.

A Hybrid Vehicle (HEV) charges its battery through the petrol engine and regenerative braking, that assists the petrol engine for better fuel efficiency, but it cannot drive the car on electricity alone for long distances.

A Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) has a larger battery that can be charged via an external power source (like a home charging station). These cars and SUVs and can run on electric power alone for a much longer distance than a traditional hybrid.

Mazda’s PHEVs, like the CX-60 Skyactiv or the CX-80 Skyactiv, combine a petrol engine with a larger electric motor and high-capacity battery, to offer up to 76km of electric-only driving range in some models.

Mazda Hybrid Vehicles (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) generally offer lower running costs compared to traditional petrol cars because it combines an electric motor with a petrol engine, for better fuel efficiency – especially for urban driving.

Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) can offer even more fuel-efficiency than Hybrids (HEV) as you can drive your vehicle in an electric-only mode, that consumes no petrol on shorter trips. If you drive mostly in the city or have access to regular charging, a PHEV can be cheaper to run than a traditional hybrid or petrol vehicle.

Switching to a Mazda Hybrid (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) can be worth it for several reasons:

• Fuel Efficiency: The Mazda Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) range can significantly reduce your fuel consumption by offsetting petrol usage with electric power. Particularly for Mazda PHEV owners who can regularly charge their vehicle to make use of its electric-only driving ranges.
  
  
• Environmental Impact: Both Mazda Hybrids (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) produce fewer emissions compared to traditional petrol cars. PHEVs can run on zero emissions when driving in electric mode, making them a good choice for environmentally conscious drivers.
  
  
• Performance: Mazda Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) offer a balance of fuel efficiency and driving performance, with powerful engines and smooth handling.
  
  
• Government Incentives: Depending on your region, hybrids and PHEVs may be eligible for various government rebates or tax incentives, which can help offset the initial purchase price.

However, for regular long distances drivers without easy access to charging stations, a traditional petrol vehicle or hybrid might be more practical.

Traditional hybrid vehicles (HEVs) are not plugged in for charging. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and the petrol engine, making it a better option for drivers that cannot easily access vehicle charging stations.

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) can be charged by plugging them into an external power source, such as a home charger or public charging station. Mazda’s PHEVs can be fully recharged in 2.5 hours using a 7.2 kW AC charger, allowing it to run on electric power alone for up to 76km in some models, lowering fuel consumption and emissions.