EV vs Hybrid vs Petrol - What Should You Buy in 2025
Choosing your next car can feel overwhelming especially with the rise of electric and hybrid options. Whether you’re after fuel savings, low maintenance, or just a solid daily driver, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of EVs, hybrids, and petrol cars in 2025.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Pros:
✅ Zero fuel costs – Just plug in and go.
✅ Low maintenance – No oil changes, fewer moving parts.
✅ Quiet and smooth to drive.
✅ Great for short city commutes
Cons:
⚠️ Charging infrastructure still catching up in rural NZ.
⚠️ Range anxiety – Most affordable EVs have 100–150km real-world range.
⚠️ Battery degradation in older imports – remember to check the SOH (state of health).
Best for:
City drivers, tech-savvy buyers, eco-conscious car owners.
Hybrids (Petrol + Electric)
Pros:
✅ Excellent fuel economy – Uses the electric battery at low speeds, petrol on highways.
✅ No need to charge – self-charging system.
✅ Proven reliability (Toyota Aqua, Prius, Honda Fit Hybrid).
✅ Good resale value.
Cons:
⚠️ Higher upfront cost than petrol-only.
⚠️ Batteries will need replacing eventually (but usually after 8–10 years)
⚠️ Still produces emissions.
Best for:
Drivers who want fuel savings without worrying about charging.
Petrol Vehicles
Pros:
✅ Cheapest to buy upfront.
✅ Easy to service, with widespread parts availability.
✅ Great variety—sporty hatches, workhorse utes, compact SUVs.
Cons:
⚠️ Fuel costs continue to rise.
⚠️ More frequent maintenance than EVs.
⚠️ May be impacted by future emissions rules or clean car fees.
Best for:
Buyers on a tighter budget or needing higher performance/payload.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in 2025 we think, but whether you go electric, hybrid, or petrol, it pays to get honest advice and compare the pros and cons. At Affordable Car Sales, we stock them all – so you can find what works for your lifestyle and budget by simply coming in, test driving a few different models and speaking to our educated team!
