America’s automakers have staked their futures on the notion that electric vehicles will dominate sales in the coming years, spurred by buyers determined to reduce carbon emissions and save on fuel.
But so far, while EV sales are growing, their pace is falling well short of the industry’s ambitious timetable for transitioning away from combustion engines. Instead, buyers are increasingly embracing a quarter-century-old technology whose popularity has been surging: The gas-electric hybrid, which alternates from gas to battery power to maximize efficiency.
So far in 2023, Americans have bought a record 1 million-plus hybrids — up 76% from the same period last year, according to Edmunds.com. As recently as last year, purchases had fallen below 2021’s total. This year’s figures don’t even include sales of 148,000 plug-in hybrids, which drive a short distance on battery power before a gas-electric system kicks in.
While I don’t doubt there are people too lazy to plug in, especially when they only have a level 1 chargwr at home, just having the option will encourage more charging infrastructure. New homes are being built with a 240v circuit to the garage “just in case” the buyer gets an electric car. Corporations are installing chargers in oreferred parking spaces and calling it an employee benefit.
You’re saying people are wasteful. That’s true. People could drive slower on the highway and save money because they use less gas.
Going pure EV is better, but people still want to be able to fuel up in 5 minutes. Giving them both in one car will support the transition as adoption expands.