Hybrid Cars in Malta: Types, Tax and Is One Worth It?

A hybrid can be a good fit for Malta: most trips are short, traffic is slow, and that's where a hybrid's electric motor helps most. But not all hybrids work the same way, and the type you choose affects what you pay in tax. Here is what to know before you buy.

Updated November 2026. Tax rules and grants change, so confirm with the dealer and Transport Malta before you buy.

The three types of hybrid

1. Self-charging (full) hybrid: a petrol engine and an electric motor work together. You never plug it in, and it can run on electric power alone at low speeds and for short distances.
2. Plug-in hybrid: a bigger battery that you charge from a socket, so it can do everyday trips on electricity alone. Once the battery runs out, it drives like a normal hybrid.
3. Mild hybrid: a small electric system that supports the engine. It can't drive the car by itself, so the fuel saving is smaller.

Tax and grants on hybrid cars in Malta

1. Plug-in hybrids with an electric range over 50 km: no registration tax and no road licence for 5 years, the same as electric cars.
2. Other hybrids: they pay registration tax and road licence as normal. Registration tax depends partly on CO2 emissions, so ask the dealer for the on-the-road price.
3. Grants: Transport Malta's 2026 schemes have no grant for hybrid cars. New electric cars get up to €8,000, so if you're comparing the two, check each price after any grant.

Before you buy a plug-in hybrid, check its official electric range. Falling below the 50 km limit could make a big difference to the price.

Which type suits you?

1. You can't charge at home or at work: a self-charging hybrid is the simple choice, because it needs no charger.
2. You can charge regularly: a plug-in hybrid can cover most short trips on electricity, and may avoid registration tax. It only saves fuel if you really do keep it charged.
3. You mostly drive short distances and can charge: compare a fully electric car too. See our guide to the best electric cars in Malta.
4. You drive very little: a small petrol car may cost less overall, because a hybrid's fuel saving takes time to cover its higher price.

Buying a used hybrid

1. Service history: ask for it, and for any record of work on the hybrid system or battery.
2. Battery: ask a garage that works on hybrids to check it, and ask whether any manufacturer battery warranty still applies.
3. Charging cable: on a plug-in hybrid, make sure it's included.
4. The car's past: get a vehicle history check, especially on an imported car.

You can browse petrol hybrid cars for sale on CarsMT. For new cars, ask dealers for the on-the-road price, including registration tax. Our guide to used car prices in Malta helps you judge what a fair price looks like.

Is a hybrid worth it in Malta?

For many drivers, yes, especially if you sit in traffic and can't charge at home. If you can charge, compare the price after grants and tax with a fully electric car first. If you drive very little, a small petrol car may still be the cheapest option.

Before you commit, get an insurance quote.