Hybrid

The 2021 Volvo XC40 plug-in hybrid will arrive in Australian showrooms in August, priced from $64,990 plus on-road costs. The Swedish car maker has confirmed dealers have started taking orders ahead of the first deliveries from next month. "The first cars start arriving as early as August and our dealers have been given the appropriate information to start assisting customers," said Volvo Australia spokesman Greg Bosnich.

Up to 90 per cent of taxi cabs in Australia's biggest cities are hybrid – after decades of LPG-powered Holdens and Fords – but now some operators are experimenting with pure electric power. There are at least five fully electric taxi cabs in use in NSW – BYD E6 models imported from China – and more are under consideration.

The next generation Ford Focus ST will likely adopt hybrid power – and the model that is about to go on sale in Australia this week could be the last of the blue oval brand's traditional hot hatches. The boss of Ford Performance Europe, Stefan Muenzinger, told Australian media during a video conference for the local launch of the new Ford Focus ST that he was not permitted to talk about future model programs.

Kia will introduce two new electric cars by 2021, to bring its tally to 11 electrified vehicles in its fleet by 2025. Although names of the new models are yet to be released, Kia says there will be a plug-in hybrid this year and a full-electric vehicle (EV) slated for a 2021 release. Kia Australia says it is too early to determine whether these models will make it to local showrooms.