A new class of vehicle has entered the Australian market in the form of big-battery plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). They deliver extended electric driving range compared to traditional PHEVs, with some models exceeding 100km on battery power alone.
As the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption for PHEVs approaches its expiry date and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) comes into force, this influx of PHEVs could attract a new audience of private and fleet drivers looking for fuel efficiency, extended electric range, and handy features such as vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.
Adding larger batteries to an existing combustion engine drivetrain does bring some issues. There’s the complexity of two powertrains, tuning the suspension to maintain ride comfort and handling, and ensuring vehicles are plugged in regularly to achieve promised fuel consumption figures.
A PHEV such as the GWM Haval H6GT, which leads the segment with an impressive 180km electric range, makes it easier than ever to avoid the bowser. But the clincher for many – particularly tradies – may be the inclusion of V2L capabilities. PHEVs with big batteries and V2L can be used to charge devices like tools and e-bikes, as well as acting as an invaluable power source during household blackouts and emergencies. While it’s not quite the same as having a home battery, a vehicle with V2L can be used to keep the fridge and other critical appliances running until the power is back on.
Here are the top five longest-range PHEVs available so far in Australia in 2025, ranked by their 'official' all-electric range – just keep in mind that real-world range is often lower than lab tests suggest.
This new entrant to the auto market is a plug-in hybrid that can masquerade convincingly as a full battery-powered EV. It has a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine combined with a dual electric motor setup that delivers 321kW power and 762Nm torque, taking it from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
With an incredible 180km range according to lab tests, its 35kWh battery is 50 per cent bigger than that of the original Nissan Leaf EV. This generous battery size and 3.3kW V2L output means it could keep the veggies in the fridge fresh for several days if needed.
It has both AC and, importantly, DC charging – crucial for a PHEV with a battery this size. Its 48kW top charge rate allows it to recharge from 30-80 per cent in less than half an hour, and at home it can recharge on a wall charger in six hours.
Open Road's Sam Charlwood notes that the additional 450kg due to its PHEV powertrain does affect handling in corners, and that the spongy brakes could do with a rethink. That said, its $53,990 drive-away sticker price that undercuts plug-in hybrid SUV competitors such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by several thousand dollars, plus its generous range, will make it an attractive option for many.
The P460e range is the luxury answer to the Haval H6GT Ultra, combining the British marque’s reputation for adventuring in comfort with a big-battery plug-in hybrid system that offers a long-range electric driving experience along with a roomy interior and oodles of storage. With a claimed WLTP range of 122km (expect closer to 90-100km in real-world conditions), the P460e’s 31.8kWh battery is one of the largest in the PHEV segment, able to handle urban and country commutes without emitting a single piece of particulate matter.
The P460e's 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six petrol engine, combined with a 105kW electric motor, delivers a total output of 338kW and 550Nm. This setup allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. A top DC charge rate of 43kW allows the P460e to recharge from 0-80 per cent in less than an hour, and in five hours on a 7kW AC home charger.
Unfortunately, the only V2L capacity available with the P460e is an optional 240-volt socket under the front console. While it is useful for charging a laptop or similar device, it pales in comparison to the other V2L options on this list.
Image: The 240 volt outlet in an all-electric Range Rover.
At over $140,000 before on-road costs, the P460e is also priced well above premium PHEV rivals like the BMW X3 30e xDrive. That said, for those wanting a full-sized luxury SUV with serious electric capability, the flexibility of two powertrains, strong performance, and the refinement expected of the Range Rover name, the P460e remains a compelling option.
— Bridie Schmidt
Great Wall Motors catapulted the 2025 Cannon Alpha PHEV ute onto the market in late February, announcing a pure electric range of up to 110km courtesy of its substantial 37.1kWh battery. This capacity not only facilitates emission-free daily commutes but also supports V2L capabilities, allowing users to power external devices up to 3.3kW – ideal for work sites or camping trips.
Under the bonnet, the Cannon Alpha PHEV combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 180kW and 380Nm with an electric motor generating 120kW and 380Nm. Together, they deliver a robust total output of 300kW and 750Nm, channelled through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Combined with a ground clearance of 224mm and a wading depth of 800mm, it's a formidable and versatile companion both on and off the beaten track.
Priced at $63,990 drive-away for the Lux variant and $68,990 for the Ultra, the Cannon Alpha PHEV sits above the BYD Shark 6, which starts at $57,900 plus on-road costs.
The BYD Shark 6 has also cruised into the Aussie ute market, bringing plug-in hybrid power to a segment dominated by diesel workhorses. While it's not all-electric like its fellow ocean-inspired Seal sedan and Dolphin hatchback, its 100km NEDC-rated (New European Driving Cycle) electric range means many daily drives – be it to the worksite, school drop-offs, or weekend getaways – can be done without burning a drop of petrol.
Under the bonnet, the Shark pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 321kW and 650Nm of torque. That’s solid grunt for a PHEV ute, and with a 29.6kWh battery on board, it’s one of the few hybrid utes that can handle more than just short electric stints. The downside? The 100km claimed range will likely be less in real world driving, but it’s still enough for most daily commutes.
What sets the Shark apart is its 6kW V2L capability. That’s a lot of power – enough to run an entire campsite, keep tools charged on-site, or even run household appliances during a blackout. While it's no replacement for a dedicated home battery, it’s a handy backup if the grid goes down.
At $57,900 before on-road costs, the Shark undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV slightly, without sacrificing features. The final choice will likely depend on brand preference, standard inclusions, and how well each ute delivers on its claimed efficiency. One thing’s for sure – the Shark has the capacity to take a serious bite of the burgeoning PHEV ute market.
RANK |
Model |
Maximum all-electric driving range |
Power output (kW/Nm) |
Battery capacity (total) |
V2L (kW) |
Charge rate (DC/AC, kW) |
Priced from |
1 |
GWM Haval H6GT Ultra PHEV |
180km (NEDC) |
321/76 |
35.4kWh |
3.3 |
48/6.6 |
$55,990 +ORC |
2 |
Range Rover Sport P460e |
126km (94km real world) |
338/660 |
38.2kWh |
240V domestic plug socket optional $130 |
43/7 |
$206,269 driveaway (NSW) |
3 |
Range Rover P460e |
126km (94km real world) |
338/660 |
38.2kWh |
240V domestic plug socket optional $130 |
43/7 |
$286,805 driveaway (NSW) |
4 |
2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV |
110km (NEDC) |
300/750 |
37.1kWh |
3.3 |
50/6.6 |
$63,990 driveaway |
5 |
BYD Shark 6 |
100km (NEDC) |
321/650 |
29.6kWh |
6 |
55/7 |
$57,900 +ORC |
For those who can plug in regularly, these big-battery PHEVs offer an enticing bridge to full electrification, reducing petrol dependency without the need for an extensive charging network. Forget to plug-in regularly, though, and those low fuel consumption figures can quickly balloon. At least the larger batteries negate the need to charge up every night.
On the downside, their price tags rival or exceed those of full battery electric vehicles (and their ICE equivalents), while a dual powertrain raises questions about long-term value. As BEVs continue to improve and charging infrastructure expands, the role of PHEVs in the market may shift.
Are these big battery PHEVs the best of both worlds, or just another temporary stepping stone to full electrification? Let us know your thoughts.