Think hybrid cars and the Toyota Prius might come to mind. But this high-tech, emissions-reducing technology is now at the fingertips of carpenters, plumbers and sparkies – enter the hybrid ute.
After a slow start, new hybrid utes are heading for the Australian market,1 from plug-in versions of the best-selling Ford Ranger2 to models from newer brands such as the Chinese manufacturer BYD.3
Some of them promise up to 100km of electric-only range,4 while others simply offer better fuel efficiency. But given Australia’s obsession with the ute – the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux were among the top selling vehicles in Australia in both 2023 and 20245 – the mere arrival of the hybrid ute is big enough news on its own. Hybridisation of this much-loved segment could help reduce the ute’s impact on the environment.
It could also help smooth the path for car makers to meet the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) bill,6 which mandates that all new vehicles sold in Australia comply with stringent new CO2 emissions limits, or risk fines, from July 1, 2025. That includes the beloved ute.
In this article, we break down the two types of hybrid ute and the hybrid ute models currently available in Australia – and coming soon. We also speak to a motoring expert to help explore whether a hybrid ute might be right for you, including any car insurance considerations you might want to factor in if you decide to buy one.
What does hybrid mean?
Hybrid systems are becoming more common in passenger vehicles such as SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks, but they are relatively new to the world of utes.
The word “hybrid” refers to the combination of a conventional combustion engine with an electric motor and battery.7 A hybrid system recovers energy normally used in the braking process and stores it in the battery for redeployment under acceleration, saving fuel. This energy recovery mechanism is known as regenerative braking. In a non-hybrid car, this energy is otherwise lost as heat in the brakes.8
“Hybrid systems can be broadly broken down into two categories – a contained hybrid system, and a plug-in hybrid system,” says Stephen Ottley, motoring journalist and Editor of TorqueCafe.com.au.
“With a contained hybrid system, you only put in fuel such as petrol. But with a plug-in hybrid, much like the name, you can plug-in and recharge with electricity – and drive a relatively short distance on electricity alone, like an electric vehicle.”
A principal advantage of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle over a pure electric vehicle is that they generally come with a lower price tag, says Ottley, and once the battery is depleted, you can simply drive around using the combustion motor without having to worry about range and recharging.
5 questions to ask before buying a hybrid ute
If you’re wondering whether a hybrid ute might suit your needs, here are some factors you may wish to consider:
1. Can you easily recharge it?
“If you’re buying a plug-in hybrid ute, the first question to ask yourself is, ‘Can I easily plug it in to recharge at home or work?’” says Ottley. “That’s the ideal set-up to make sure you’re maximising the advantages.”
If you can charge at work, it makes sense to get a plug-in hybrid, says Ottley. If not, the next best option is charging at home using an off-peak electricity plan, or with home solar.
2. Will you be towing?
“If you need to tow a big boat or heavy caravan up to 3.5 tonnes, check the maximum braked towing capacity of any hybrid ute you’re considering,” says Ottley. “The fitment of heavy battery packs can deplete the maximum towing capability.” Towing will also quickly deplete the electric-only range of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, he says.
3. Would you use ‘vehicle-to-load’?
Plug-in hybrid utes such as the forthcoming Ford Ranger offer a 220-240 volt outlet like the one on your wall at home.2 “This means you can power home appliances, camping equipment and power tools using your vehicle like a giant battery pack,” says Ottley. That’s great news for anyone who uses their ute for work.
4. Is a hybrid ute worth it?
When comparing the extra cost of any hybrid model against a non-hybrid model, look at the expected fuel savings and calculate if it’ll be worth it for you, suggests Ottley. Generally, the more you drive each year, the quicker the car will “pay itself off”, he says. And make sure you check servicing costs as they can vary greatly between manufacturers, he adds. Also factor into the equation how much you value reducing your personal carbon emissions.
5 hybrid utes available in Australia – or coming soon
The options for hybrid utes in Australia in 2025 are still reasonably limited – but more models are coming to join the few on the ground. Here are five to consider.
Note that prices are subject to change and are based on the manufacturers’ suggested retail price for the lowest-priced variant, quoted for postcode 2000 in February 2025, and may not include costs such as stamp duty, other government charges, and options.
1. BYD Shark 6
Meet Australia’s first plug-in hybrid electric ute9 – the BYD Shark 6. Its 1.5-litre petrol-electric powertrain comes with a relatively large 29.6kWh battery pack providing up to 100km of claimed electric-only range.4 It also comes packed with standard equipment including a full suite of active driver-assist safety tech. Towing capacity is reduced to 2.5-tonne (braked)4 – however, this BYD hybrid ute supports vehicle-to-load which means, like the Ranger, it can directly power 220-240 volt appliances.4 Priced from $61,510.10
2. GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid
The first non-plug-in hybrid ute on sale in Australia, this Chinese-built GWM hybrid ute is bigger than a Ford Ranger but smaller than a typical US pick-up truck.11 Its 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid system offers 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque,12 as well as regenerative braking and a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.12 GWM claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 9.8L/100km.13 Priced from $57,990.14
3. Toyota HiLux 48V
While it’s more of a “mild” hybrid – which means it uses a smaller hybrid battery and smaller electric motor than other hybrids in this article15 – thanks to regenerative braking, this HiLux still uses 10% less fuel than a non-hybrid equivalent.16 The electric motor can also assist acceleration with extra torque.17 Priced from $65,880.18
4. Ford Ranger
Australia’s best-selling vehicle in 2023 and 2024,5 a new hybrid Ford Ranger is big news. The hybrid Ford Ranger will be of the plug-in variety, which means it will be able to travel around 45km on electricity alone.19 Its 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity is unchanged,2 while vehicle-to-load capability means you could use the car to power appliances such as power tools or camping equipment.19
5. Kia Tasman
Due this year, according to Carsales the new Kia Tasman dual-cab ute could eventually offer a new, 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain with performance and economy improvements, smart regenerative braking and vehicle-to-load capability. Plug-in hybrid and electric versions may follow.20
Hybrid versus electric utes
Thinking of skipping hybrid and going straight to a fully electric ute? There’s lots to consider, says Ottley. “There is only one full EV ute on the Australian market, the jury is still out on how well these vehicles will tow or take a payload, and they might be costly,” he says. Watch this space.
Are hybrid utes eligible for government rebates?
If you obtain a plug-in hybrid ute – such as the BYD Shark 6 or GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid – on a novated lease before April 1, 2025, it’ll be eligible for the same current fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption as electric vehicles.21 With lease repayments and running costs coming from your pretax salary, this may potentially reduce your payable tax by thousands of dollars22 – if you can get in before the incentive ends.
Buying a hybrid ute – insurance considerations
Insurance for hybrid utes works the same as insurance for any other car or electric vehicle, explains Marni Jackson, Youi’s Head of Product for Vehicle, Lifestyle and Leisure.
“We offer three types of insurance for hybrid utes – Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft and Third Party Property Only,” Jackson says.23
“And if you have Comprehensive or Third Party Fire & Theft cover and regularly store tools or other work items in your ute, you might want to add optional cover for loss or damage to business items as a result of an insured event.”24,25
“Just remember that this optional cover is separate to the standard ‘contents inside the car’ which comes included with our Comprehensive or Third Party Fire & Theft products yet doesn’t include business items.”25
If a hybrid ute sounds right for you and you’re looking for car insurance to suit your circumstances, consider starting a quote with Youi today.
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of February 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant vehicle manufacturer websites for price and specification updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: Drive – Why aren't there any hybrid utes in Australia?, March 2024
2 Source: Ford Australia – Ranger Plug-in Hybrid
3 Source: BYD Automotive – Shark 6
4 Source: BYD Automotive – Shark 6 brochure
5 Source: CarsGuide – Australia's best-selling car for 2024 revealed, January 2025
6 Source: Australian Government – Information for drivers
7 Source: Australian Government – Green Vehicle Guide (Hybrid vehicles)
8 Source: WhichCar? – Regenerative braking explained, October 2020
9 Source: CarsGuide – BYD Shark 6 2025 review, October 2024
10 Source: BYD Automotive – Shark 6 configurator
11 Source: CarExpert – 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid off-road review, December 2024
12 Source: GWM – Cannon Alpha brochure
13 Source: Drive – 2024 GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid review: Australian first drive, May 2024
14 Source: GWM – Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid
15 Source: WhichCar? – What is a mild hybrid car?, November 2024
16 Source: WhichCar? – 2024 Toyota HiLux SR 48V review, May 2024
17 Source: Toyota Australia – HiLux
18 Source: Toyota Australia – HiLux prices
19 Source: Drive – 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV detailed, September 2024
20 Source: CarSales – New 2.5-litre hybrid likely for 2025 Kia Tasman, November 2024
21 Source: Australian Taxation Office – FBT on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, October 2024
22 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – What is the FBT Exemption and how does it reduce the cost of an EV?
23 See the Car PDS for full details.
24 An additional cost applies and is available with Comprehensive and Third Party Fire & Theft policies. For business items, additional restrictions apply. For full details, see the Car PDS.
25 Exclusions and limits apply. Covers damage to or loss of business items while stored in the car or unbraked trailer, and where there is also damage to the car or unbraked trailer as a result of an insured event. To be covered for theft, items must have been in a locked boot or lockable compartment which was permanently secured to the car; and the car was locked and there are visible signs of forced entry. For full details, see the Car PDS.
