Hybrids are not automatically cheaper. Whether the premium returns depends almost entirely on how and how far you drive.
Where hybrids win
Stop-start suburban driving is where a hybrid drivetrain does its best work, recovering energy that a petrol engine simply wastes as heat.
High-kilometre urban users, including rideshare and delivery operators, typically recover the price premium comfortably within the ownership period.
Where petrol still makes sense
Steady highway running narrows the efficiency gap considerably, and low annual kilometres extend the payback period beyond most people's holding time.
For towing and sustained load, a conventional petrol or diesel drivetrain is often the more sensible engineering choice.
Doing the maths
Take the price premium, divide by your annual fuel saving at realistic consumption, and compare the result against how long you intend to keep the car.
Include servicing, which is frequently a little cheaper on hybrids due to reduced brake wear, and insurance, which can be marginally higher.
Batteries and resale
Hybrid batteries are generally warranted for eight years or more and have proven durable in Australian conditions. Replacement outside warranty remains the main risk to price in.
Demand for used hybrids is currently strong, which means the premium is partly recovered at resale rather than lost entirely.