Compare running costs and see when a hybrid pays off
15,000 km/year
$2.80/L
6.5 L/100km
Mild hybrids assist the engine but can't drive on battery alone. City driving typically sees a slightly bigger benefit.
$44,990
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,730
8.5 L/100km
$38,990
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,570
Annual Savings
$840
running costs / yr
5-Year Savings
-$1,800
after price difference
Break-Even
86 months
7 years 2 months
Behind the numbers
Compare running costs between any two vehicle types — mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or standard petrol vehicles.
15,000 km per year
Vehicle One
975 L
6.5 L/100km effective
Vehicle Two
1,275 L
8.5 L/100km effective
Vehicle One uses 300 litres less per year than Vehicle Two.
Fuel at $2.80 per litre
Every year, Vehicle One saves you $840 in running costs compared to Vehicle Two.
What you pay upfront
Vehicle One
$44,990
Vehicle Two
$38,990
Vehicle One costs $6,000 more to buy than Vehicle Two. Your yearly fuel savings need to cover that before you're truly ahead.
Fuel savings vs purchase price
After 5 years you've saved $4,200 on fuel, but you're still $1,800 behind once you count the higher sticker price. You'd break even around 7 years 2 months.
Bottom line
You save $840/yr on fuel, but Vehicle One's $6,000 price premium means you need about 7 years 2 months to come out ahead.