>plus a transmission and clutch which require maintenance

None of the Toyota Hybrids have either (instead, a Pn10 [n=6,7,8] orbital gearbox [0]), but they do have the ICE maintenance requirements. Conversely, the inevitable battery replacement is much less expensive on a hybrid.

Fun fact: the main electric rotor redlines at 17,000+ RPM

>don't really see the point in having to charge a battery and put petrol in the car

You can do either/and, depending upon driving style. For example, if you mostly drive locally you probably don't ever need to gas it up — but be sure to use ethanol-free fuel if so (to not gunk up fuel system).

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dHeRJdrnI8&t=5082s (p610 transaxle assembly / theory of operation)

Now I see why ZF two-speed transmission for EVs exist

https://www.whichcar.com.au/advice/zf-2-speed-ev-transmissio...