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4 June 2025 · New Vehicles

What is a PHEV?

PHEV illistration
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid connected to a home charging station, illustrating its EV charging capability.

Your local guide to smart, flexible driving in the hills and beyond

At Kalamunda Toyota, we know that choosing your next vehicle isn’t just about the specs—it’s about finding what works for your life. And if you're looking for better fuel efficiency without going fully electric, a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) might be the perfect fit.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what PHEVs are, how they work, and why they could be ideal for hills driving, long commutes, and everything in between.

What is a PHEV?

A PHEV is a vehicle that combines a petrol engine with a battery-powered electric motor. Unlike a traditional hybrid, a PHEV can be plugged in to charge, giving you a longer electric-only range before the petrol engine kicks in.

You get the best of both worlds:
🔋 Short trips on battery power alone
⛽ Long drives with the back-up of petrol power

How does it work?

It’s simple:

✔ Plug in at home or at a charging station to charge the battery

✔ Drive on electric power for shorter trips (think school runs or local errands)

✔ For longer journeys, the petrol engine takes over—or works with the electric motor for better performance and efficiency

✔  You don’t have to worry about “range anxiety.” If the battery runs low, the petrol engine keeps you going without interruption.

Why choose a PHEV in the Perth Hills?

Living in Kalamunda and surrounding areas means you often need a car that can handle both short local trips and longer drives into the city—or out to the coast. A PHEV gives you:

✔ Electric range for your daily routine
✔ Petrol backup for spontaneous getaways
✔ Smooth, quiet driving with low emissions

And with more charging infrastructure popping up around Perth, it's becoming easier than ever to drive electric—without going all-in.

What Toyota PHEVs are available?

Toyota is bringing its first-ever plug-in hybrid to Australia soon, starting with the RAV4 PHEV GR Sport—offering:

⚡ Up to 100km* electric-only range
🏁 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds
🛡️ Toyota Safety Sense 4.0
📱 Advanced infotainment and cloud-based navigation

(*WLTP figure. Range may vary depending on driving conditions.)

Is a PHEV right for you?

Here at Kalamunda Toyota, we’re happy to help you weigh up your options. Whether you’re considering a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full electric vehicle down the track, we’ll explain it in everyday terms—no jargon, no pressure.

Let’s have a chat

Pop in for a coffee, browse our hybrid range, or chat with our team about what a PHEV could look like in your life. We’re locals, just like you—and we’re here to help you make a choice that works for your lifestyle and your budget.


Your local hybrid experts. Proudly hills born and bred.