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PHEV vs EV Charging: What's the Difference?
If you're exploring Toyota's electrified range, you've probably noticed that both Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) need to be plugged in to charge. So what's actually different between them?
The good news is that PHEVs and BEVs use the same charging infrastructure. You can charge both at home using a standard powerpoint or a dedicated wall charger, and both are compatible with public charging stations across Australia. The key differences come down to charging times, costs, and what happens when the battery runs low.
Let's break it down so you can decide which electrified Toyota suits your lifestyle.
Same Plugs, Same Stations
Whether you're driving a Toyota bZ4X (our fully electric SUV) or the all-new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid arriving in 2026, you'll be using the same Type 2 AC connector for home and public AC charging.
Both vehicle types are also compatible with DC fast charging at public stations, though PHEVs typically have lower maximum charging speeds due to their smaller batteries. This means you don't need to worry about finding different chargers or installing separate equipment at home. One charging setup works for both.
Charging options for both PHEVs and BEVs include:
- Mode 2 charging from a standard household powerpoint (included cable with all Toyota electrified vehicles)
- Mode 3 charging via a dedicated AC wall charger installed at home
- Public AC chargers found at shopping centres and workplaces
- DC fast chargers located at major highways and service stations
Different Charging Times
This is where PHEVs and BEVs start to diverge. Because PHEVs have smaller batteries (designed for shorter electric-only trips), they charge much faster than fully electric vehicles.
Toyota bZ4X (BEV) charging times
Toyota bZ4X (BEV) charging times
The bZ4X features a 71.4kWh battery. Using a standard household powerpoint (Mode 2), expect approximately 30 hours or more for a full charge from 10% to 100%. With a dedicated 7kW home wall charger (Mode 3), this drops to around 10 hours. At a public DC fast charger, you can go from 10% to 80% in approximately 45 minutes.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) charging times
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) charging times
The new RAV4 PHEV features a 22.7kWh battery. From a standard powerpoint, a full charge takes around 8 to 10 hours overnight. With a dedicated home wall charger (up to 11kW three-phase), you can fully charge in approximately 2 to 3 hours. The RAV4 PHEV also supports 50kW DC fast charging, reaching 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
For most Perth drivers, overnight charging at home covers daily driving needs for both vehicle types. The difference becomes noticeable on longer trips or when you need a quick top-up during the day.
Different Charging Costs
Charging costs depend on your electricity rates, when you charge, and how much battery capacity you're filling. Here's how PHEVs and BEVs compare.
Home charging costs in Western Australia
Home charging costs in Western Australia
Based on the standard residential tariff of around 31.5 cents per kWh, fully charging the bZ4X's 71.4kWh battery costs approximately $22 to $25.
This gives you up to 470km of electric driving range.For the RAV4 PHEV with its 22.7kWh battery, a full charge costs around $7 to $8 and provides up to 100km of electric-only driving.
Cost per 100km comparison
Cost per 100km comparison
Running a BEV like the bZ4X costs approximately $4 to $6 per 100km when charged at home. That's significantly cheaper than a petrol vehicle, which typically costs $14 to $18 per 100km depending on fuel prices. A PHEV operating in electric mode costs about the same per kilometre as a BEV. However, when the petrol engine activates (after the battery depletes), running costs increase to hybrid levels, which are still lower than a conventional petrol vehicle.
Smart charging tip: If you have a smart meter, charging during off-peak hours (typically late night to early morning) can reduce your costs significantly. Some Perth households with solar panels can charge their vehicles during the day for near-zero running costs.
The PHEV Advantage: Petrol as Your Backup
Here's the biggest practical difference between PHEVs and BEVs. When a BEV's battery runs flat, you need to find a charging station before you can continue driving. When a PHEV's battery runs low, the petrol engine seamlessly takes over, and you keep going. This gives PHEVs a significant advantage for drivers who regularly travel longer distances, visit areas with limited charging infrastructure, or simply want peace of mind without worrying about range.
How the RAV4 PHEV handles this:
When fully charged, the RAV4 PHEV can travel up to 100km on electric power alone. That's more than enough for most daily commutes and errands around Perth. Once the battery depletes, the vehicle automatically switches to hybrid mode, using the 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with electric motors for efficient driving. The total combined range (electric plus petrol) means you can drive hundreds of kilometres without stopping, then simply refuel at any petrol station like you would with a conventional car.
What happens if a BEV runs out of charge?
If a BEV's battery runs completely flat, the vehicle will gradually lose power and stop. Unlike a petrol car, there's no reserve. You'll need roadside assistance to tow the vehicle to a charging station or dealership. This is why planning your charging stops is important for longer BEV journeys.
Which Charging Approach Suits You?
A BEV might be right for you if
A BEV might be right for you if
• You primarily drive shorter distances within metropolitan Perth
• You have reliable home charging (garage or carport with power access)
• You're comfortable planning charging stops for longer trips
• You want zero tailpipe emissions and the lowest possible running costs
A PHEV might be right for you if
A PHEV might be right for you if
• You regularly travel longer distances or to regional areas
• You want electric driving for daily commutes but need petrol backup for flexibility
• Charging infrastructure at home or work is limited
• You're transitioning from petrol and want the security of a fuel tank
Charging at Home: Getting Set Up
Both PHEVs and BEVs come with a Mode 2 charging cable that plugs into any standard Australian powerpoint. This is the simplest way to start charging at home without any additional equipment.
For faster, more convenient home charging, many owners invest in a dedicated AC wall charger (Mode 3). Toyota partners with JET Charge to arrange professional installation. The process is straightforward: complete an online enquiry, receive a quote based on your switchboard and preferred location, then schedule installation with a licensed electrician.
A dedicated wall charger is particularly worthwhile for BEV owners who want to fully charge overnight or PHEV owners who want rapid top-ups between trips.
Charging at Home: Getting Set Up
Both PHEVs and BEVs come with a Mode 2 charging cable that plugs into any standard Australian powerpoint. This is the simplest way to start charging at home without any additional equipment.
For faster, more convenient home charging, many owners invest in a dedicated AC wall charger (Mode 3). Toyota partners with JET Charge to arrange professional installation. The process is straightforward: complete an online enquiry, receive a quote based on your switchboard and preferred location, then schedule installation with a licensed electrician.
A dedicated wall charger is particularly worthwhile for BEV owners who want to fully charge overnight or PHEV owners who want rapid top-ups between trips.
Public Charging Across Australia
Australia's public charging network is growing rapidly, with around 2,400 charging stations nationally as of early 2024. Perth and Western Australia have seen significant expansion, making electric driving more convenient than ever.
Where to find public chargers:
Shopping centres and retail precincts often have AC chargers (free or low-cost) where you can top up while you shop
Major highways and service stations feature DC fast chargers for quick stops on longer journeys
Workplaces are increasingly installing chargers for employee use
Apps like PlugShare and Chargefox help you locate nearby stations and check availability
Both PHEVs and BEVs can use these public chargers, though BEV owners typically rely on them more during longer trips.
Looking After Your Battery
Toyota's electrified vehicle batteries are engineered for durability and backed by extensive testing. Every Toyota traction battery comes with up to 10 years of warranty coverage against manufacturing defects (conditions apply).
Tips for maximising battery health:
For everyday charging, use AC charging (home wall charger or public AC stations) when possible. Reserve DC fast charging for when you need a quick boost on the road. Avoid letting the battery run completely flat or charging to 100% frequently. Charging to 80% and stopping there actually puts less stress on the battery and gives you more usable charge in less time.
The Bottom Line
PHEVs and BEVs share the same charging infrastructure, making it easy to switch between them or have both in the household. The main differences are charging times (faster for PHEVs due to smaller batteries), total charging costs (lower for PHEVs per charge, but BEVs cost less per kilometre in pure electric mode), and what happens when the battery runs out (PHEVs switch to petrol, BEVs need to recharge).
If you value the flexibility of a petrol backup while enjoying electric driving for daily trips, a PHEV like the upcoming RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offers the best of both worlds. If you're ready to go fully electric and can plan around charging, a BEV like the bZ4X delivers zero tailpipe emissions and the lowest running costs.
Either way, you're making a smarter choice for your wallet and the environment.
Ready to Experience Electrified Driving?
At New Town Toyota, we're early adopters of EV and hybrid education, helping Perth drivers find the right electrified vehicle for their lifestyle. Whether you're curious about the bZ4X, interested in the all-new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid arriving in 2026, or want to explore our hybrid range, our team is here to help.
Book a test drive or chat with our electrified vehicle specialists today. We'll walk you through the charging options, running costs and features that matter most to you.
New Town Toyota: Perth's trusted Toyota team. We're with you for the road ahead.
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