What are HEVs and PHEVs?
- HEVs don’t plug in; PHEVs do. Both pair an electric motor with a petrol engine to improve efficiency and cut emissions versus traditional ICE cars.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVS)
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) do not offer electric charging and are powered solely by petrol. However, they make use of technologies such as regenerative braking (which recaptures energy expended during braking to charge an onboard battery) to more efficiently use fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions.
HEVs also contain an electric motor that can assist the combustion engine during certain driving conditions, such as driving at slow speeds. This allows HEVs to emit reduced emissions compared to traditional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Meanwhile, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have two power sources: an internal-combustion engine (ICE) and a rechargeable battery with an electric motor. You can drive on battery only (which results in zero tailpipe emissions), on petrol only, or using both drive systems, with the car managing power automatically. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) contain both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric battery. It can be driven using power from either system or both at once.
Typically, a PHEV draws power from the electric battery first, allowing emission-free driving during this phase. Once the battery runs out, the vehicle will switch over to the combustion engine, burning petrol to power the vehicle.
This means that with a PHEV, you can drive short distances without creating environmental pollutants, while having the ability to make longer drives without needing to look out for charging stations.
After driving, you can plug in your PHEV to recharge the on-board battery to use battery power the next time you drive. Of course, you’ll also need to ensure there is sufficient petrol in your vehicle, as you don’t want to be caught with a dead battery and an empty petrol tank.
4 cheapest PHEVs and HEVs in Singapore
Fuel economy is typically quoted on WLTP or manufacturer test cycles. Real-world results depend on driving style, load, terrain, and charging frequency.
🚗 Toyota Prius Hybrid (HEV)
The latest-generation Toyota Prius has shed its once-conservative image, now offering sleek styling, robust performance, and exceptional fuel economy. Equipped with a 1.8‑liter four‑cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, it delivers around 136 horsepower for a smooth and engaging drive.
Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, this hybrid vehicle brings advanced driver-assistance tech including adaptive cruise, lane‑tracing assist, and blind‑spot monitoring. Under the hood, the Prius employs an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E‑CVT). Deploying a single planetary gear set paired with motor‑generators to smoothly blend power from the engine and electric motor, E-CVT enhances efficiency, reduces mechanical wear, and allows seamless transitions between driving modes.
🚘 Toyota Camry Hybrid (HEV)
The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid offers an eco-friendly drive with strong fuel performance, dressed up in luxury trimmings. now comes exclusively as a hybrid, offering strong fuel efficiency and modern performance. It features a 2.5 L Dynamic Force engine paired with Toyota's hybrid system, delivering up to 228 bhp. Fuel efficiency clocks in at 19.6km/L, a respectable rate given the car’s hefty dimensions.
Inside, the Camry Hybrid impresses with a quiet and refined cabin, featuring acoustic laminated glass, ergonomic seats with available heating, ventilation, and memory adjustments in selected models. Infotainment includes wireless smartphone integration, digital gauge clusters, and optional innovations like a head‑up display and Digital Key.
🚙 Honda Vezel Hybrid (HEV)
Honda’s Vezel Hybrid is one of the more popular HEVs in Singapore. This 1.5l model features a sporty look with a sleek interior design and clean and simple dashboard that doesn’t distract. Another selling point is the comfortable, leather-clad seats, ensuring a fidget-free ride. Boot space is generous, with up to 688 litres of usable space with the rear seats folded down.
Other highlights are the vehicle’s fuel economy, reaching up to 24.8km per litre, with 7-speed auto transmission offering flexible control. All in all, the Vezel Hybrid works well as a city cruiser for family drives.
⚡️ Jaguar F-PACE Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Nimble and sporty yet spacious, the F-PACE PHEV offers sophisticated styling and a refined cabin. A 2021 update added upgraded interiors and a curved 11.4-inch infotainment screen.
Delivers up to 52.6km/L and a combined output of 398bhp. All-wheel drive and an 8-speed transmission help keep handling smooth and composed.
How to choose the best car insurance for hybrid cars
- Key areas to check before you buy — especially important for HEVs and PHEVs.
Loss or damage coverage
Hybrid vehicles (especially PHEVs) come with hefty price tags, so it makes sense to ensure your vehicle is completely covered. To fully protect your investment, make sure to choose a car insurance plan that offers “up to market value” coverage.
One such plan is Car Protect360 by HL Assurance, which covers your vehicle for up to market value against loss or damage by fire or theft. Going one step further, this plan also offers up to market value coverage for other insured causes including Act Of God, fallen object, riot, strike, flood, etc – providing your vehicle with wider loss and damage coverage.
Choice of workshop for repairs
Given that HEVs and PHEVs are advanced vehicles with two different power systems under the hood, some drivers may prefer sending their vehicles for repairs at the original dealer’s workshop. Especially so if your vehicle is still under warranty.
With HLAS Car Protect360, you have the freedom to choose your own workshop for car repairs. However, choosing an HL Assurance Approved Workshop comes with distinct advantages, including guarantee of genuine parts and a nine (9) month warranty on repair works. Also, you will enjoy a 50% discount on Own Damage Excess, giving you more savings.
Car accessories and windscreen coverage
From curved touchscreens to full-leather upholstery, HEVs and PHEVs come fitted with valuable accessories and interior styling that add to the experience of a luxurious ride. Such components are integral to the vibe of your ride, but can be costly to repair or replace.
HLAS Car Protect360 offers up to S$1,000 coverage for original accessories, including all audio, video and other standard equipment fitted during original purchase. This can help offset the cost of repairs and lower out-of–pocket expenses.
Additionally, windscreen cracks and damage can be more common than you might think. But this needn’t be a problem with HLAS Car Protect360, which offers unlimited windscreen cover. You can also enjoy a waiver of windscreen excess (S$100) for repairs at an HL Assurance Appointed Windscreen Repairer.
Driver and passenger benefits
While coverage for loss, damage and repairs are meant to protect your vehicle, your car insurance plan should also include other benefits geared towards the driver and passengers.
For instance, HLAS Car Protect360 offers medical expenses coverage up to S$1,000 each for the Policyholder, Authorised Drivers and Passengers, as long as the legal seating capacity of the car is not exceeded. Additionally, the plan includes personal accident coverage of S$20,000 for the Policyholder, and S$10,000 per person for Authorised Drivers and Passengers.
Pair your hybrid vehicle with the right car insurance plan
- Hybrids (PHEVs & HEVs) blend battery power with a petrol engine, providing cleaner city trips with no range anxiety. With meaningful electric-only ranges and improved efficiency, they can lower emissions and day-to-day running costs.
Protect that tech with Car Protect360 by HL Assurance
Built for modern drivetrains, Car Protect360 gives you:
- Up-to-market-value cover for loss or damage (fire, theft, flood, riot, Acts of God).
- Workshop flexibility — choose your preferred workshop, or save at HL Assurance Approved Workshops (genuine parts, 9-month repair warranty, 50% Own Damage Excess discount).
- Glass & people protection — unlimited windscreen cover (S$100 excess waived at HL Assurance Appointed Windscreen Repairers) plus medical expenses up to S$1,000 each and personal-accident benefits (S$20,000 for Policyholder; S$10,000 per Authorised Driver/Passenger).
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