Plug-in hybrid

Rumours are circling about BYD’s next-generation plug-in hybrid technology that could blow the competition out of the water.Chinese motoring media are reporting the set-up will be called DM-i 6.0, but there is no official word from BYD yet.This new plug-in hybrid set-up is believed to deliver an all-electric driving range of up to 300km, according to the more generous China Light-duty Test Cycle (CLTC).That is a jump of about 50 per cent on BYD’s longest legged plug-in hybrids that it claims can travel about 200km.That kind of range pushes plug-in hybrids closer to full EV capability. Most other plug-in hybrids struggle to hit the 100km mark for full EV driving.A new version of BYD’s Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery is the key to this huge boost.This new battery is rumoured to be a new version of a “semi-solid state” battery, which is nothing like a solid state battery.It differs from regular batteries, which have a gel or liquid electrolyte, by adding a few floating chunks into the mix.The result is slightly improved energy density, but still a long way off what is promised for solid-state batteries.Hyper fast charging is expected thanks to the addition of 900-Volt electrical architecture, which could result in charging speeds exceeding 400kW.A more powerful electric motor is expected  and improvements to the petrol engine are believed to make it more fuel efficient and reduce emissions.BYD is rapidly expanding its range of plug-in hybrids in Australia.In the past 12 months the company has launched the Shark 6 ute to complement its Sealion 6 mid-size SUV.These two will be joined by the Sealion 8 large SUV, Sealion 5 compact SUV and a new Seal 6 sedan and wagon that have been approved for sale in Australia.BYD’s premium sub-brand Denza is adding the off-road focused B5 and B8 plug-in hybrids to take on the Toyota Prado and LandCruiser this year, too.

Only a few years ago a budget-focused new car story like this would have well and truly dipped under the magical $20,000 threshold.But, the sad news is there’s just a single new car option left standing in the Aussie market wearing a five figure price tag that starts with a one.And that’s the entry-grade Kia Picanto Sport with a five-speed manual gearbox at $19,190, before on-road costs. Tick the box for the four-speed automatic transmission and all of a sudden you’re at $20,790, BOC.So, we’ve raised the new car budget bar to $25,000 and looked at the five most popular models with an entry-price under $25K from 2025 full-year sales.1) Chery Tiggo 4 Pro - From $23,990, before on-road costsTalk about an impressive entrance. Chery lobbed a hand grenade into the budget end of the small SUV segment in late 2024, with the Tiggo 4 Pro’s first full year sales exceeding 20,000 units in 2025.Two versions of the compact five-seater are offered locally, the Urban and Ultimate, each available in pure-combustion and petrol-electric hybrid form.2) MG MG3 - From $21,990, drive-awayWith competition from new challenger brands intensifying and the MG model line-up growing, the MG3 dipped in terms of year-on-year sales but still did enough to grab second spot under $25K with more than 8000 examples finding a new home.Three grades are offered here - Vibe, Excite & Essence - pure-petrol in all three with the option of hybrid in the upper two.  3) Hyundai Venue - From 23,000, before on-road costsNow a veteran of the ‘light’ SUV category the city-sized Venue remains a strong seller in Hyundai’s small car portfolio.In fact, sales were up a solid 14.1 per cent in 2025 to 7927. The range starts with the entry-grade at $23K, before on-road costs, with the Active and Elite above it. 4) Kia Picanto - From $19,190, before on-road costsA popular choice among city dwellers, the diminutive Picanto also ticked up in total year-on-year sales for 2025 to 7166.Sadly for micro car Verstappen wannabes the 1.0L turbo GT is a thing of the past, but the top-tier GT-Line Picanto brings some of its racy personality to the party. 5) Suzuki Swift Hybrid - From 24,490, drive-awayThe fourth-generation Swift has taken mild-hybrid form with its 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine featuring an enhanced starter/generator/electric motor picking up some of the slack in terms of powering the stop-start system and adding 60Nm of torque.Sales were down in 2025 to 3446, but there were still enough buyers to land the latest version of the city car icon in fifth spot.   Australian Top 5 sellers under $25,000:  

After numerous sightings in pre-production camouflage, Zeekr has released official images of its 8X large five- and six-seat SUV.As its name implies, the newcomer is designed to fill the gap between the brand’s 7X pure-electric mid-size SUV and 9X plug-in hybrid large SUV.And although its powertrain specification is yet to be confirmed, application information previously lodged with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) points to the likely adoption of its 9X sibling’s plug-in hybrid set-up.That combination connects a 205kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with either two electric motors (660kW) or a full-fat triple-motor configuration (1030kW).Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery packs with capacities of 55.1kWh and 70kWh are expected to deliver pure-EV ranges of between 256km and 328km (WLTC) varying by model, with 6C ultra-fast charging capability onboard.Underpinned by Zeekr’s new ‘SEA-S’ modular platform, the 8X measures more than five metres end-to-end and like the even larger 9X it appears to be inspired by the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, featuring a prominent chrome-finished waterfall-style grille and bright bumper insert with C-shape headlight and DRL units either side.But this time around there’s some added athleticism with a sloping roofline, strong curves and character lines along the car’s flanks and big rims ranging from 20- up to 22-inch diameter with tyre sizes of 255/55x20, 255/50x21 and 275/40x22.A prominent Lidar housing sits at the top of the front windscreen and a striking two-tier ‘Ultra-Red’ LED tail-light treatment dominates the rear end.Expected features include auto-extending side steps and a power-retractable tow hitch, the 8X able to tow a 2.0-tonne braked trailer.The 8X is scheduled for on-sale in the domestic Chinese market in the first half of this year and on the prospect of local availability, a Zeekr Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide, “At this stage, we don't have confirmed plans or timing to share on a potential introduction to the Australian market.”That’s not a no, so stay tuned!

BYD has updated its tough looking SUV, the all-electric Fang Cheng Bao Titanium 3.The Titanium 3 is the more road-focused little brother to the capable Denza B5 and B8 4WDs, which have just launched in Australia.There is no word on if the Titanium 3 will come to Australia, but BYD and Denza — which draws in models from a range of BYD sub brands such as Fang Cheng Bao in Australia — have made clear they want to aggressively expand their line-ups and grow sales.The Titanium 3 is fully electric, where the B5 and B8 are plug-in hybrids.Despite only being revealed last year the Titanium 3 has been given a big power boost, with single motor versions making 240kW, a rise of 80kW.Dual motor, all-wheel drive examples now make 375kW and 510Nm, a jump of 65kW.Battery size is not yet known, but the outgoing versions used a circa-65kWh in single motor versions and a roughly 72kWh or 79kWh pack for all-wheel drive variants.Fang Cheng Bao claims every model had a driving range of about 500km, but this was calculated by the generous China Light-duty Test Cycle (CLTC) rather than the benchmark WLTP test cycle.One of the other big upgrades in China is the addition of Lidar technology. This tech is crucial for semi-autonomous driving, which is a must-have feature in China.The Titanium 3 is a mid-size SUV, with about the same proportions as a Toyota RAV4.It has tough exterior styling that gives it strong off-road appeal, but it isn’t nearly as capable as the B5 and B8 sold in Australia. Think of it more as an SUV with the ability to handle a dirt road.BYD has had huge success with its Fang Cheng Bao range in China. The larger Titanium 7 sold 50,000 units in just 80 days. BYD has debuted the Titanium 7 in Thailand at the Bangkok motor show, which bodes well for an Aussie arrival in the future as Thailand is also right-hand drive.BYD also builds some Aussie-bound vehicles in Thailand, which could expand to the Titanium 7.The Titanium 7 is much bigger than the 3 at almost five metres long.It also ditches full electric power for plug-in hybrid grunt. It uses a familiar set-up with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors. A 35.6 kWh battery pack provides up to 200km of electric driving range.

MG’s luxury division, IM Motors, has revealed another ultra-luxury large SUV, which will join its range in the coming year.The LS8 is a large three-row SUV, which will sit above the IM6 that is currently sold in Australia, but below the flagship LS9 revealed in 2025.Information recently filed with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), we know the LS8 is more than five meters long, exactly two meters wide, and 1817mm tall with a 3060mm wheelbase.The LS8 will be a range-extender plug-in hybrid, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine acting independently of electric motors on each axle. IM models currently sold in Australia are electric-only.The MIIT information shows IM is planning two massive battery sizes, either 52.1kWh or 65.9kWh, for an electric driving range between 268km and 335km according to the more lenient CLTC testing cycle.The new exterior pictures show a boxy large SUV design, which is distinct from the more curvy design language on the IM5 and IM6 sold in Australia.It shares many similarities to other upcoming luxury large SUVs from rival brands, like the Leapmotor D16 and Denza N9 from BYD’s luxury arm, suggesting strong demand for luxury hybrid SUVs in the Chinese domestic market.It features a contemporary light strip and Kia-style vertical LED fittings at each corner in the front, and a matching light strip across the rear. It has a raked roofiline with contrasting black panels in very similar style as popularised by cars like the Range Rover Sport and Velar.The interior is yet to be revealed, but is expected to mirror the designs seen in the LS9No Chinese brand has yet launched one of these luxury large hybrids in Australia.The closest option currently comes from BYD’s Denza, which offers the more off-road focused Denza B5 that is roughly Prado-sized, or the Denza B8 flagship that is more LandCruiser 300-sized.IM Motors has previously told CarsGuide that every new model developed by the luxury arm are aimed at global markets, so the LS8 and LS9 could very much be on the cards for an Australian launch.The brand’s previous CEO Peter Ciao said the company is planning a strong line-up for 2026, with IM Motors forming a part of that planning, so expect an expansion on the range soon.

Kia's compact Niro electric and hybrid SUV has been discontinued in Australia, just as a new version breaks cover overseas.The brand already has diverse options in the compact SUV space, with the EV3 and soon-approaching Seltos hybrid offering a similar choice.The Niro EV’s comparatively high starting price at $66,590 (before on–road costs) saw it undercut by rivals like the Volvo EX30, starting from $59,990. Kia’s EV3 also starts at just $47,600. The Niro has received a new design, which is in line with many of Kia’s new models, such as the recently-unveiled EV2. It gets a sharper overall look with defined creases on the bodywork, along with a sloping roofline and rear spoiler.There are plenty of blacked out elements, including on the roof rails and on the lower door panels.The interior of the car has also been updated to feature thinner 12.3-inch digital driver and central touchscreen displays.It will continue to be available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric set-ups overseas, but more details will become available in March. Production on the electric Niro for Australia was halted in April 2025. Dealer stock of all Niro variants is expected to last until the end of March. The Niro is currently available in Australia with 1.6-litre hybrid (104kW/265Nm) or electric (150kW/395Nm) power set-ups. Kia will continue to bring across electric models in 2026 with its EV2 small SUV and EV4 sedan and hatchback on the list for Australia. Kia’s electric PV5 people mover and van will also be available on Aussie shores this year.

Blame Jurassic Park.Ever since Steven Spielberg’s iconic dinosaur movie hit the big screen, everyone has been afraid of Raptors. And not just the dinosaurs, because despite it being more than seven years since Ford launched the Ranger Raptor, nobody has been brave enough to take it on.But there is an obvious brand that should. BYD needs to build its own apex predator — the BYD ‘Great White’ Shark 6.As we continue our summer series looking at the missing pieces from several big name brands, today we’re talking a look at BYD, because the Chinese brand has enjoyed significant growth in recent years and is looking for an even bigger 2026 with the arrival of the Atto 1, Atto 2, Sealion 5 and Sealion 8.There has also been a lot of talk about expanding the Shark 6 line-up, but so far only a ‘more premium’ version and some stripped out variants to appeal to fleet buyers. The brand has, like every other brand that makes utes, deliberately avoided specifically mentioning any direct rival to the Ranger Raptor.With good reason, the Raptor has become a new benchmark in the ute market - not only in terms of performance, both on and off-road, but also the money buyers are willing to spend on a ute.It is both a great concept and a well-executed one, with the second-generation Raptor a leap forward from the already-impressive original.So why should BYD be the first to truly take it on head-to-head? Because it already has the foundations for a proper performance ute. The plug-in hybrid powertrain already makes 321kW of power and 650Nm of torque, which is more than the 291kW/583Nm offered up by the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine in the Ranger Raptor.Of course, engine performance is only a part of the Raptor’s success, with the real difference maker being the incredibly effective suspension set-up. Ford has decades of off-road desert racing experience to draw on, but BYD clearly has plenty of resources. The fact the company created the Shark 6, and hit the mark so accurately it is already regularly amongst the best-selling utes each month, is proof of that.Make no mistake, I’m not suggesting this would be easy, but it would give BYD a true hero model that would have an impact on the overall brand perception and that will trickle down the entire range, all the way down to the Atto 1.Plus, Great White Shark is such a perfect name it would be a shame to waste it.

The European Union is proposing an alternative to its tariffs targeting Chinese-made electric-powered vehicles, in the form of a minimum price model, according to Bloomberg.Under the model, Chinese exporters can submit price offers, which must be “adequate to eliminate the injurious effects of the subsidies and provide equivalent effect to duties”.Details such as the minimum import price, sales channels, cross compensation and future investments in the EU must be included.Alternatively, brands who do not use this new model will continue to be subject to the tariffs.A 2024 investigation found China’s car exporters gained unfair advantage from Chinese government subsidies, which found they were able to sell cars significantly under the price of Europe-built alternatives.To combat this, Chinese brands were hit with tariffs of up to 35 per cent on imports in addition to a 10 per cent foreign cars tariff.These tariffs are designed to counteract the impact of these subsidies to protect jobs and entice buyers toward European cars.They also are intended to encourage Chinese brands to build cars in Europe.Chinese auto makers have already begun building cars in Europe.For example, Xpeng is using local assembly in Austria, while Leapmotor manufactures cars in Poland.This latest change demonstrates a cooperative approach between the EU and Chinese car makers, described as a “soft landing” in China.Despite tough economic conditions for Chinese car makers in Europe, brands are gaining an increasingly strong hold.Chinese car brands outsold Renault and Audi in Europe during August in 2025. The following month they sold more vehicles than South Korean brands in Western Europe for the first time ever.These defiant sales figures are largely due to Chinese brands shifting focus from EVs to the import of hybrid and internal combustion vehicles.The news comes after reports that the EU is planning to remove its total ban on petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.

This is likely one of the best examples of China speed to date.

The GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid is big news for Australia: this is a body-on-ladder-frame chassis large 4WD with five seats, high- and low-range gearing, and a front, centre and rear diff lock. It has combined power and torque outputs of 300kW/750Nm, offers about 120km electric-only driving range, and it can be used as a 6.0kW mobile power station (V2L) - all for under $80 grand.