Many Canberrans are opting for a mix of battery and petrol power as EV costs, technology, and charging infrastructure continue to evolve. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The capital has long led the charge when it comes to electric vehicles, with more drivers adopting the EV lifestyle than anywhere else in the country. But there’s a new trend emerging on local roads – hybrid cars are gaining some serious traction.
Although internal combustion engines still power the majority of cars in Canberra, more drivers are seeking ways to reduce fuel costs and lower emissions.
For those who have never owned an electric vehicle, committing to an all-electric setup can be daunting. This is where hybrids come in, combining the familiarity of a petrol engine with all the benefits of electric power.
Lennock Motors co-owner Peter Axiom reports a steady increase in sales for both standard and plug-in hybrids, particularly across familiar brands such as Nissan, Volkswagen, and Hyundai. Emerging brands Geely and Cupra are also proving to be popular choices among 2025 buyers.
“We’ve seen strong uptake on Geely’s new Starray EM-i hybrid and fully electric EX5,” Peter says.
“The Cupra range covers full EVs, plug-in hybrids and combustion engines, so they’re a good choice for Canberrans as well.”
There are plenty of reasons to make the switch from petrol, diesel or autogas to electric power for your next car. EV technology is still evolving, and according to Peter, increased competition spells further savings for local drivers.
“Five years ago, Tesla dominated the market, but now most mainstream brands have a competitive EV or hybrid model in their fleet,” he says.
“The price difference is narrowing. You can now drive away a brand-new EV for around $40,000, or even less for pre-owned and Chinese-built models.
Peter initially saw some apprehension towards Chinese-built EVs when they first entered the Canberra market, but that has since subsided, as brands like Geely have proven their worth on the road.
Lennock Motors has operated as a family-owned dealership exclusive to Canberra since 1963. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Lennock Motors stocks a cross-section of European, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and American brands.
New vehicle brands include Mitsubishi (a recent addition to the fleet), Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Skoda, Cupra, Jaguar, Land Rover, Hyundai, Geely and Ram Trucks. Peter says being an agnostic car dealership allows Lennock to offer something for everyone.
“More choice equals more freedom, so we stock a range of cars with diverse aesthetics, price points, fuel types, drivetrains and performance levels,” he says.
The team also recently opened a used vehicle warehouse in Fyshwick. With more than 450 pre-loved cars to choose from, it offers the most extensive selection of its kind in the territory.
Usually sparse, Canberra’s secondhand EV market has enjoyed a boost in 2025 thanks to increased battery lifespan and efficiency.
“Most first-time EV owners go for a new car, but there are a number of pre-loved models appearing with odometer readings over 150,000 kilometres,” Peter says.
“This shows EVs are now reliably travelling at least the same distances as combustion cars.
“In terms of range, even cheaper EVs generally have more than 300 km to play with. Most high-end models can drive 400 km on a single charge.”
According to the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, there were more than 13,150 zero-emissions vehicles in Canberra as of early October.
Charging infrastructure remains tricky across the country, but Peter says Canberra’s network fares quite well overall.
“Low and zero-emission car owners in the capital also benefit from reduced registration costs and sustainability rebates that can save thousands in upfront costs,” he says.
“As battery range and charging infrastructure continue to improve, I think we’ll see a lot more people investing in hybrids or EVs.”
All things considered, it seems Canberra’s affinity for electric vehicles won’t fade any time soon.
For more information or to browse new and used cars in Canberra, visit Lennock Motors.
