My Latest Blog Post

2025-10-28

Electric Vs Super Hybrid - Geely Peninsula has both options!!!

If you're trying to decide between buying a fully electric vehicle (EV) like the Geely EX5 and a Super Hybrid like the Geely Starray i, it’s all comes down to your lifestyle, driving habits, budget, and how you feel about infrastructure and risk. We will walk you through the key differences, pros & cons, and what to watch out for — so you can make a well‑informed decision.

Geely Peninsula located at 6 Kookaburra St Frankston as both models ready for to test drive link to arrange:

https://www.geelypeninsula.com.au/contact

What we mean by EV vs Hybrid

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) (or simply “electric vehicle/EV”) runs solely on electricity — no petrol/diesel engine.
Super hybrid vehicle uses both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor & battery. There are different kinds:
Full hybrid (HEV) – battery + electric motor + petrol engine; battery charges via regenerative braking/engine.
Plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) – larger battery, can be plugged in, can drive on electric alone for a certain distance, then petrol engine kicks in.

Key factors to compare

Factor	EV (Battery Electric)	Hybrid (HEV or PHEV)
Upfront cost / purchase price	Generally higher than equivalent petrol/hybrid cars.	Usually less premium than EV, though more expensive than a “normal” petrol car.
Fuel / running cost	Electricity typically cheaper than petrol per km; fewer moving parts → lower servicing in many cases.	Better fuel economy than petrol car; less fossil fuel usage.
Emissions / environmental impact	No tailpipe emissions; best option for reducing direct emissions.	Lower emissions than pure petrol, but still using petrol/diesel so not zero.
Range & refuelling / recharging	Range varies by model/battery; you need access to charging (home or public). Charging time longer than petrol refuelling.	Usually have petrol engine backup so less “range anxiety”; refuelling is quick like a normal car.
Infrastructure & convenience	If you can charge at home/work, very convenient; but public charging still less flexible in some areas (especially regional).	Doesn’t rely solely on charging infrastructure (unless a PHEV part of the time) — more “hybrid” flexibility.
Battery replacement / long‑term costs	Batteries are large and costly; technology is improving though.	Battery is smaller (in HEV) or moderate (in PHEV) — replacement cost less extreme, though still something to consider.
Depreciation / resale value	Newer market; resale unknown in long term; model economy can shift quickly.	More established tech; resale risk may be lower for some hybrids (depending on make/model).
Suitability by usage	Great for urban driving (commute, frequent short trips), where you can charge easily; also ideal if you want “fully electric” for environmental reasons.	Great “middle ground” especially if you do mix of city + longer trips, or if you’re not confident about charging or are in a region with limited public charging.

Which route might make sense for you

Here are some scenarios to help you decide:

Go Electric if:

You mostly do city driving or consistent daily commutes within range of your chosen EV.
You can install or have access to home charging (garage, driveway), or your workplace has charging.
You want to minimise environmental impact and are comfortable planning charging for longer trips.
You plan to keep the car for 5‑10+ years and are comfortable with evolving tech.
Upfront cost is manageable and you factor in the lower running costs.

Go Hybrid if:

You do a lot of longer trips, or live/drive in regional/rural areas where charging infrastructure may be sparser.
You don’t have convenient home charging (e.g., apartment with no dedicated charger) or you’re not ready for the “new” behaviour around charging.
You want to reduce fuel/fossil usage but still want the “backup” of petrol for peace of mind.
You are looking for a more seamless transition and less dependence on new infrastructure.
You expect to hold the car for less time, are risk‑averse about resale, or want lower upfront cost.

Extra Tips:

What’s your typical driving pattern? City vs highway vs rural. Hybrids shine in stop/start city driving; EVs shine if you can manage charging and your commute is within range.
Do you have access to home (or workplace) charging? Without reliable charging, EV may be inconvenient.
How established is the public charging infrastructure where you live and travel? In regional areas, slower.
What is the “break‑even” point? Compare extra upfront cost vs fuel/maintenance savings over time. Some owners question if paying much more upfront for hybrid or EV makes sense given usage.
Battery warranty / replacement cost: What warranty does the vehicle/battery have? What is expected cost if replacement needed out of warranty.
Depreciation & resale risk: Particularly with EVs, the market is evolving fast, which can affect future resale value.
Incentives and subsidies: Are there any state / federal incentives for EVs (or hybrids) in your location (Victoria, Australia)? These can shift the economics.
Total cost of ownership (TCO): Look beyond purchase price — fuel/energy cost, servicing, registration, insurance maybe different, potential incentives, and expected lifespan.
Future‑proofing & technology risk: EV technology is evolving quickly (battery, range, charging speed). If you buy now you’ll want to ensure the model holds up.