Jeep Wrangler 4Xe plug-in hybrids on a sales lot in Richmond, Calif. U.S. car companies are shifting focus from electric vehicles to hybrids as sales of gas-electric hybrid vehicles are surging past sales of electric vehicles. Americans are starting to turn away from purely gas-powered cars, but most aren’t piling into electric vehicles. They’re straddling the line and buying hybrids.
“Hybrids are the gateway for the transition” to electric cars, said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. “It’s a good option for consumers who aren’t ready to buy an EV.” Meanwhile, hybrids keep getting more popular. Over the past year, hybrids have increased their market share even as EVs have stalled out.Hybrids offer some advantages over EVs. They’re generally cheaper, and they can fill up on gas to drive long distances without a charge. “You don’t have to change anything about your lifestyle,” Valdez Streaty said.But hybrids come with plenty of drawbacks.
Today, the decision comes down to car buyers’ individual circumstances, according to Valdez Streaty. For those who mostly commute short distances, have access to charging stations nearby or at home and can afford to spend a little more upfront to save on fuel later, EVs make sense, she said. For those who drive long distances and don’t have charging stations in their area, a hybrid is a good option.
Energy Energy Latest News, Energy Energy Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: latimes - 🏆 11. / 82 Read more »
Source: CARandDRIVER - 🏆 576. / 51 Read more »