National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) says its data shows novated lease demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) has tripled in recent months.
The latest Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data tells a similar story, with SUV and passenger PHEV sales more than doubling (up 138 per cent) between April 2023 and 2024.
In April 2024 PHEVs represented over a quarter (26.8 per cent) of all electrified sales of SUVs in Australia, as the number of plug-in hybrid models available continues to soar.
NALSPA chief executive Rohan Martin says the expanded availability of new models combined with government incentives is driving the growing demand for PHEVs in Australia.
“It’s never been more affordable and accessible to buy a plug-in hybrid vehicle in Australia – and it’s driving demand. A range of new PHEVs have already hit Australian roads this year with more in the pipeline, plus the government’s FBT exemption is providing the added incentive for motorists,” Mr Martin said.
“The FBT exemption for PHEVs is providing a meaningful discount for everyday working Australians to now afford these cars and the new low emissions technology they bring.
“As motorists navigate cost-of-living pressures, they are discovering that the exemption and salary packaging of their vehicle can save them thousands of dollars every year – not to mention savings on fuel too.
“SUVs are incredibly popular in Australia – the fact that PHEVs represent a significant percentage of electrified sales highlights the attractiveness and choice that plug-in hybrids offer to consumers. A wider range of larger family or work vehicle types are currently available, or will be in the near future, in the form of PHEVs compared with pure EVs.”
NALSPA says it applauds the Private Senator’s Bill introduced into the Australian Parliament by Senator David Van this week, to extend the current FBT exemption for PHEVs beyond April 2025.
“NALSPA supports an extension to the FBT exemption for PHEVs because this low emissions technology is critical to decarbonising Australia’s carfleet as motorist acceptance of electric cars continues to evolve,” Mr Martin said.
“PHEVs are an important stepping stone to going fully electric and suit motorists in particular who drive long distances, and they’re the perfect way for motorists to test the water with EVs but might not be ready to go all in.
“A number of Australians are not yet ready to make the jump to full battery electric vehicles, often citing evolving charging infrastructure and concern over driving range in such a large country. But they would consider a PHEV or a hybrid vehicle as a stepping stone to going fully electric.
Here are some of the new PHEVs Australia can expect in the near future:
- BYD Shark Ute
- Chery Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 Pro
- Chery TJ-1
- Chery Omoda 7
- Cupra Terrama
- Ford Ranger
- GAC ES9
- Geely Galaxy L7
- GWM Haval 6
- Hyundai SantaFe
- JAC T9
- Jeep Cherokee
- Jeep Compass
- Kia Sorrento
- LDV eT60
- Leapmotor C10
- MG HS (Next Gen)
- Mitsubishi Pajero
- Mitsubishi Triton
- Volkswagen Amarok
