Petrol vs Hybrid vs Electric Cars Petrol vs Hybrid vs Electric Cars

Petrol vs Hybrid vs Electric Cars: Which One Makes More Sense in Australia?

Quick facts about hybrid cars

• Most hybrid cars recharge themselves while you drive, so there’s no need to plug them in
• Hybrid cars combine petrol and electric power to help reduce fuel use
• They still refuel at regular petrol stations, just like a normal car
• Many drivers notice hybrids feel quieter and smoother in traffic
• Hybrid cars work well for both city driving and longer road trips
• Full Hybrids (HEVs) are the most common type of hybrid car hire vehicle
• Hybrid cars can be especially handy during stop-start driving where fuel use is usually higher

With fuel prices going up and more options on the market, a lot of drivers are starting to rethink how they travel.

Do you stick with a petrol car? Try something new like an electric car? Or land somewhere in the middle with hybrid cars?

The right option depends on where you are driving, how far you are going and whether you want to plan around charging.

Petrol vs hybrid vs electric: what’s the difference?

Each option suits different kinds of trips, so it really comes down to how and where you like to drive.

Petrol cars

Petrol cars are still the most familiar option for plenty of Australian drivers. They’re easy to refuel, easy to drive, and well suited to longer trips where you just want to jump in and get moving.

For road trips, regional travel, and bigger drives across Australia, petrol cars still make a lot of sense.

Electric cars

Electric cars run entirely on battery power and are becoming more common around Australian cities and urban areas.

They’re popular for shorter trips, city driving, and travellers who enjoy the quieter feel of electric driving. Depending on where you’re heading, you may need to factor charging stops into the trip, especially on longer drives.

Renting an electric car is an easy way to see how it fits into everyday travel before deciding whether it’s something they’d use more often.

Hybrid cars

Hybrid cars combine petrol and electric power. You still refuel at a petrol station, while the electric motor can help reduce fuel use in lower-speed driving and traffic.

That’s one reason hybrids are becoming popular for city breaks, family holidays, airport runs, and everyday driving. They fit naturally into the way a lot of people already travel.

Not all hybrid cars work exactly the same way though, and you’ll usually come across a few different types when comparing options.

Mild Hybrid (MHEV)

A Mild Hybrid uses a small electric motor to support the petrol engine, especially during acceleration and stop-start driving. It helps improve fuel efficiency a little, but the car still relies mostly on petrol power.

Full Hybrid (HEV)

A Full Hybrid is what most people think of when they hear “hybrid car”. These vehicles automatically switch between petrol and electric power while you drive. Around suburban streets or in traffic, the electric motor can sometimes handle short stretches on its own before the petrol engine steps back in.

The battery also recharges while driving, so there’s no need to plug it in.

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

A Plug-in Hybrid has a larger battery that can be charged externally and can usually drive further using electric power alone before switching back to petrol.

How do hybrid cars work?

If you’ve ever wondered how hybrid cars work, the short version is that the car does most of the thinking for you.

At lower speeds or in traffic, the electric motor can step in to help reduce fuel use. Once you’re driving faster, the petrol engine takes over more of the work. When you slow down or brake, the battery recharges itself in the background.

You do not need to press buttons, change settings, or drive differently. Most of the time, it just feels like driving a regular car.

Hybrid cars vs electric cars: which is better?

The right choice comes down to how you plan to use the car and how much flexibility you want.

If you want better fuel efficiency without planning around charging stops, a hybrid can be a good fit. You refuel at petrol stations as normal and the hybrid system works automatically while you drive.

If your trips are shorter and you’re comfortable planning around charging, an electric car could still be a good option. Just keep in mind it may require more preparation, especially on longer journeys.

Which option makes the most sense for your trip?

The best option depends on where you are driving and how you plan to refuel or recharge:

• City driving - Hybrid cars are usually the most efficient
• Long road trips - Petrol or hybrid cars offer flexibility
• Short, planned trips - Electric cars can work well

If your trip includes a mix of city and longer-distance driving, a hybrid can be a practical option.

Why more drivers are choosing hybrid cars

With rising fuel prices, more drivers are looking for ways to cut costs without making things complicated.

Hybrid cars are becoming a popular option because they:

• Use less fuel in everyday driving
• Don’t require charging
• Feel familiar and easy to drive

If you’re curious about hybrids, renting a hybrid is a good way to see how it fits your usual driving. You can also compare it with our electric car rental range before you book.

You can also explore different vehicle types depending on your trip:

• Standard cars
• SUV rental
• Vans and people movers
• 4WDs

Budget’s hybrid fleet is expanding across compact cars, sedans, SUVs and people movers. Depending on location and availability, vehicle examples include:

• Compact Hybrid: Toyota Yaris or similar
• Intermediate Hybrid: Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar
• Standard Hybrid: Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar
• Full Size Hybrid: Toyota Camry or similar
• Full Size SUV Hybrid: Toyota Kluger or similar
• Intermediate SUV Hybrid: Kia Sportage or similar
• Compact SUV Hybrid: Toyota Yaris Cross or similar
• Full Size Van Hybrid: Kia Carnival or similar

Vehicle make and model are examples only and may vary by location and rental date.

Ready to try hybrid car hire?

If you want to reduce fuel use without changing how you refuel, hybrid car hire is worth considering.

You get the flexibility of a petrol car, with better fuel efficiency and no need to plan around charging.

Browse all locations

Frequently Asked Questions