Best Plug-In Hybrids Available in NZ

You can think of the plug-in hybrid as half EV, half regular hybrid. They have a more powerful electric motor and bigger battery pack than your regular ‘self charging hybrid’ which allows them to operate using the electric motor alone at speeds up to (and exceeding) 100km/h. Depending on the model, some deliver up to 100km of electric motoring. Once the battery can no longer support full electric drive, the plug-in reverts to regular hybrid operation. 

A plug-in hybrid would suit someone that does 50-60km a day, and can recharge the battery every night to enjoy low emissions urban motoring. It is important to re-charge the battery as often as possible in order to keep fuel consumption low. 

When you travel further afield, plug-in hybrid owners don’t need to worry about finding an electric charger as the petrol engine gives a plug-in the usual range and refuelling convenience of a normal car. Plug-in hybrids are often the equivalent price of a full EV however, and they are also subject to RUCs. Here some of the best plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) available new in New Zealand 

This is BYD’s first plug-in offering for NZ; a family sized, five-seater SUV with a phenomenal range on a tank of fuel. It is possible to cover 1100km between fill ups. BYD says the Sealion 6 can travel up to 92 km on battery power before it switches to hybrid mode. While DC charging is possible, it’s relatively slow at a peak of 18kW. The Sealion 6 is a series hybrid, so drives more like an EV (smooth power delivery, no gearchanges) with the petrol engine used primarily to run the generator, which charges the battery. 

There are two models, the cheaper $58k FWD Dynamic is the better pick, the $65k AWD model is more powerful, but not as efficient as a result. The Dynamic has the same heaving specification as the Premium too. Rounding things off is a 425L boot, impressive quality and a refined, comfortable driving character.

Read the full BYD Sealion 6 review

For those that still like the idea of a car being a car (rather than an SUV), check out the plug-in hybrid version of the Cupra Leon. While it’s only available as a wagon, that’s a plus as you get more luggage and passenger space to go with the sporty Cupra dynamics. 

The Leon will give you up to 58km of EV range (more like 40-45km in the real world) and while the battery can only recharge via AC power, you can fully replenish the pack overnight using the supplied three-pin charger. This PHEV uses a 1.4 turbopetrol and when in hybrid mode (engine and electric motor working together), can deliver 180kW and 400Nm. 

The Leon is as practical as it is stylish with 470L of boot and can tow up 1500kg. It drives well too. The downside is the price, at $65k, it’s pricey but rivals like the Peugeot 308 PHEV and Skoda Octavia iV are also up around this mark too. Such is the PHEV premium. 

Read the full 2024 Cupra Leon V e-Hybrid Sportstourer review

Those after a larger SUV, one with enough seats for seven, the Kia Sorento range includes both self-charging and full plug-in hybrid variants. The PHEV comes in two grades; Earth AWD at $82,990 and the better specified Water AWD at $94,990. With a 13.8kWh battery, Kia reckons you will get 55km of electric only driving range from its Sorento PHEV. Once the battery is too low to support all electric driving, the hybrid mode employs the use of the 1.6 Turbo to produce torquey, easy going progress. Sorento is well specified and plenty spacious for a large family. One thing to note, while the PHEV can tow up to 1010kg braked, it’s significantly down on the diesel-powered Sorento, which is good for 2000kg. 

Read the full 2021 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Premium review