Do hybrid cars need to be plugged in to charge?

No. Most hybrid cars in Australia, including Toyota, Lexus, and Honda models, charge themselves automatically while driving and braking. The petrol engine and regenerative braking system recharge the hybrid battery — no external charging is required.

Is it true that hybrid batteries are very expensive to replace?

Not anymore. Thanks to UniBee Australia’s in-house hybrid battery service, replacement costs are far lower than before. We offer both brand-new and rebuilt battery packs, with installation and up to 36-month warranty, making hybrids affordable to maintain long-term.

Do hybrid cars have higher maintenance costs?

Actually, hybrids often cost less to maintain. The petrol engine works less, the brakes last longer due to regenerative braking, and there’s no traditional starter motor or alternator. Regular servicing is similar in cost to standard petrol cars.

Can a hybrid car still run if the battery fails?

If the hybrid battery completely fails, the vehicle may not start or may lose electric-assist performance. However, hybrid batteries rarely fail suddenly — warning lights appear early. UniBee can test, rebuild, or replace the battery before major issues occur.

Are used hybrid cars risky to buy?

Not when purchased from a certified importer like UniBee Australia. Every hybrid car we sell undergoes compliance, odometer verification, hybrid system inspection, and pre-delivery testing. Many of our customers enjoy years of reliable driving with no battery issues.

Do hybrid cars perform worse than petrol vehicles?

Not at all. Modern hybrid cars often deliver smoother acceleration, instant torque from the electric motor, and better fuel efficiency. Toyota and Lexus hybrids are known for powerful yet quiet performance and excellent durability.

Can hybrid batteries be repaired instead of replaced?

Yes, in many cases. UniBee offers hybrid battery reconditioning — replacing only weak modules and balancing the pack. This option is cost-effective for vehicles where full replacement isn’t required.

Can hybrid cars drive on electric power only below 60 km/h?

This is one of the most common myths. Modern hybrid systems — like Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, Honda’s i-MMD, and Nissan’s e-Power — automatically switch between electric, petrol, or combined modes depending on load, speed, and battery charge. You can’t manually choose to stay electric under 60 km/h — instead, the vehicle optimises power for maximum efficiency, sometimes using electric power even at 100 km/h or more when conditions allow. The system is fully automatic and far more intelligent than a simple “below 60 km/h rule.”

Are hybrid batteries expensive to replace?

Not anymore. Thanks to years of experience with Toyota and Lexus hybrids, UniBee Australia offers brand-new or reconditioned hybrid batteries at affordable prices — usually a fraction of what dealers quote. All batteries are locally fitted and backed by warranty, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective long-term solution. Most genuine and aftermarket hybrid batteries last 300,000 km or more, often outlasting the car itself.

Do hybrid cars require expensive maintenance?

No — hybrids are often cheaper to maintain than petrol vehicles. They have fewer moving parts, no alternator, no starter motor, and brakes last longer due to regenerative braking. Routine servicing (oil, filters, coolant) is similar to a standard car, and UniBee Australia’s hybrid workshop provides full maintenance support at competitive rates.

Do hybrid batteries suddenly fail without warning?

Rarely. Before a failure, most hybrids show warning lights, reduced electric assist, or weaker fuel economy. UniBee technicians can easily scan and test battery health, identifying issues early. Regular checks ensure your hybrid system performs at peak efficiency for many years and hundreds of thousands of kilometres.

Is it safe to buy a used hybrid car from Japan?

Absolutely. Japanese hybrids are often better maintained and driven under gentle conditions. All UniBee Australia imports are RAWS-complianced, odometer-verified, and individually inspected before sale. We also provide hybrid battery testing and can replace or upgrade the battery with new or rebuilt units before delivery.

Are hybrid cars weaker or slower than petrol cars?

Not at all. Hybrid vehicles combine electric torque with petrol power, giving instant acceleration and a smooth, quiet drive. In fact, many hybrid models — like the Lexus Hybrids , Toyota Crown, or Nissan e-Power series — outperform similar petrol-only versions in everyday conditions.

Is it true that hybrid batteries can’t be recycled?

That’s false. Hybrid batteries are made from nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion, and both are fully recyclable. UniBee partners with approved recycling programs in Australia, ensuring every replaced battery is environmentally processed — not discarded.

Can hybrid cars be serviced by any mechanic?

Yes, in most cases. Regular servicing — such as oil changes, filters, brakes, tyres, and suspension — can be done by any qualified mechanic, because most maintenance does not involve the high-voltage hybrid system or battery. However, for specialised work on the hybrid battery, inverter, or high-voltage wiring, it’s best to use trained hybrid technicians. UniBee Australia’s in-house hybrid specialists are certified to safely inspect, repair, and replace hybrid components whenever needed.

Do hybrid batteries need to be replaced after a certain number of years?

No, hybrid batteries don’t expire after a fixed time period. Their lifespan depends mainly on mileage and condition. Most hybrid batteries in Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Nissan vehicles easily last 300,000 km or more. They’re managed by intelligent control systems that protect against overcharging and overheating. At UniBee Australia, we inspect every battery before sale and provide replacement or reconditioning when necessary.

What is the average lifespan of a hybrid battery?

On average, hybrid batteries last 300,000 km or more before showing any significant capacity loss. Many Japanese imports we service at UniBee Australia still perform well even beyond that. Proper maintenance, balanced driving, and regular system checks help maximise battery life and ensure consistent hybrid performance for years to come.

How can I extend the life of my hybrid battery?

Follow these simple habits: Drive your car regularly to keep the hybrid system active. Keep the battery cooling fan clean and free of dust. Avoid leaving the vehicle unused for long periods. Schedule hybrid system health checks with specialists like UniBee Australia. Regular driving and preventive care are key to long-lasting hybrid battery performance.

How do I know if my hybrid battery needs attention?

Watch for early signs such as: Decreased fuel economy or weaker electric drive. Warning lights on the dashboard. The petrol engine running more often than usual. These can indicate the battery is losing capacity. UniBee Australia’s hybrid diagnostics can quickly test battery health and advise whether it needs service or replacement.

Are hybrid batteries expensive to replace?

Not anymore. Thanks to UniBee’s in-house hybrid program, replacement costs are far lower than dealership prices. We offer brand-new and reconditioned hybrid batteries, installed by certified technicians and backed by warranty. Our customers often find it’s a simple, affordable upgrade that restores full hybrid performance for years to come.

Collection: Hybrid Vehicles – Japanese Hybrid Cars

Hybrid vehicles combine a petrol engine and an electric motor to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, low emissions, and smooth driving performance. These advanced Japanese hybrid cars automatically switch between petrol and electric power to suit driving conditions, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining excellent reliability.

At UniBee Australia, we import a wide range of premium Hybrid Vehicles, carefully selected and complianced for Australian roads. Our range includes popular models such as the Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid, Toyota Fielder, Toyota Sienta, Toyota Alphard Hybrid, Toyota Vellfire Hybrid, Nissan Serena e-Power, Nissan Note e-Power, Honda Fit Hybrid, Honda Shuttle Hybrid, Honda Vezel Hybrid, Lexus HS250h, Subaru XV Hybrid, and Mazda Axela Hybrid.

Every Hybrid Vehicle from UniBee undergoes RAWS compliance inspection, odometer verification, and a comprehensive pre-delivery service before sale. Our in-house hybrid specialists also provide battery replacement, diagnostics, and servicing for all models. With typical hybrid battery lifespans exceeding 300,000 km or more, these vehicles offer long-term value, reliability, and impressive eco-efficiency.

Discover the best in Japanese Hybrid Vehicles — from fuel-saving family movers to luxurious hybrid sedans — only at UniBee Australia, the #1 importer of quality Japanese Hybrid Cars in Melbourne.