Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Depending on the model, the electric motor can power the car at speeds of up to 100 km/h, meaning it produces less CO₂ emissions compared to similar internal combustion engines, uses a lot less fuel, and barely makes a sound.

When it’s more efficient, the vehicle will seamlessly switch to using the internal combustion engine, supported by the electric motor if extra power is needed. Regenerative braking is also able to retain energy and recharge the vehicle’s hybrid battery.

There are two kinds - Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).

HEVs are like conventional cars, they need to be refuelled with petrol. The internal combustion engine and regenerative braking keep the vehicle's hybrid battery charged, meaning the vehicle self-charges the hybrid battery.

PHEVs are closer to full All-Electric vehicles, with the ability to recharge the hybrid battery at a charging station or at home. The difference is it also has an internal combustion engine, which can provide the car with greater range than current All-Electric Vehicles.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles do not need to be charged. They use their internal combustion engine and regenerative braking to keep the hybrid battery charged. This means they only need to be refuelled, the same as a conventional vehicle.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles are a little different. Depending on the conditions and the amount of charge in the hybrid battery, they will primarily use their electric motor to get around. If the battery is running low, or it’s more efficient to use both the electric motor and the petrol engine, it will seamlessly switch to petrol power, recharging the hybrid battery if needed.

It can also be plugged into charging points to recharge the hybrid battery.

Our Hybrid Electric Vehicles also feature regenerative braking technology, so when you brake, a generator produces additional electricity which helps recharge the hybrid battery.

At Toyota, we’ve been developing hybrid technology since the late 90’s, and our Hybrid Electric Vehicles are now in their fourth generation.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle components, including the hybrid battery, come with our 8-year/160,000km warranty, and with no elements such as a clutch, alternator or starter motor, there's less chance of unexpected costs popping up in the future.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles have comparable ranges to conventional internal combustion vehicles, but their use of both electric power and fuel means you can travel those distances using less petrol and therefore emitting less CO₂ and other emissions.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles are able to switch seamlessly between electric and petrol power. This means you get instant torque or pulling power from the electric motor when you press on the accelerator, or if you're on the motorway or State Highways, the petrol engine and electric motor will work together for a strong, powerful boost when needed.

This, combined with Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform give you a fun driving experience while also adding cornering stability and better handling.

While most Hybrid Electric Vehicles are Front-Wheel Drive, there are All-Wheel Drive (AWD) options for those needing greater off-road or all-weather capability. In models like the RAV4 Hybrid AWD, an additional electric motor provides power to the rear wheels, giving a secure grip on loose, slippery surfaces.

There are no real differences between driving a Hybrid Electric Vehicle and a conventional internal combustion vehicle in different seasons. If conditions are extreme, such as snow, ice or heavy rain, you'll need to take similar precautions as you would with any other road.

Our AWD models do offer enhanced road grip and stability, while all our Hybrid Electric Vehicles come with Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control systems

With their growing popularity, Hybrid Electric Vehicles now cost a similar amount to conventional internal combustion vehicles. They also retain more of their resale value, cost less in fuel, have less moving parts that can wear and tear.

Thanks to regenerative braking technology, that reduces wear to items like brake pads, the maintenance costs for Hybrid Electric Vehicles are lower than a conventional petrol vehicle.

Some costly items like the clutch, alternator and starter motor have been completely removed which further reduce the potential for unexpected repair or maintenance.

We have a range of current Hybrid Electric Vehicles to choose from, and more coming over the next few years.

From city cars to all-wheel-drives, family sized cars to little hatchbacks, we have a Hybrid Electric Vehicle that will suit you. Discover our full range of vehicles or Find your nearest Toyota Store.