Plug-in hybrids reached record sales in 2023, with greater than 250,000 vehicles sold, or about 20% of total plug-in vehicle sales, in keeping with the Department of Energy.
Last yr saw strong sales for EVs as well, which surpassed a million units for the primary time. The combined market share of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs rose to 16.3% of total light-duty vehicle sales within the U.S., up from 12.9% in 2022.
Plug-in vehicle sales by calendar yr, 2010-2023 (via U.S. Department of Energy)
Yet by themselves, plug-in hybrids still have not reached 2% of new-car sales. With the value positioning of plug-in hybrids not as favorable versus hybrids in 2023—especially without the EV tax credit—it’s cause to ponder whether there’s loads more demand for them.
Some automakers appear to think so. The Energy Department statistics were released shortly after a report that General Motors will add plug-in hybrids to its U.S. lineup, reversing its previous policy of going all-in on EVs and ignoring hybrids of any kind.
U.S. EV and hybrid sales in 2023 (via U.S. Department of Energy)
Toyota plans to push its plug-in hybrid range to 120 miles, which might align with stricter California emissions standards calling for plug-in hybrids with a minimum of 50 miles of electrical range starting with the 2026 model yr. Although the presentation must be straightforward. Toyota’s “hybrid EVs” marketing spin, recasting hybrids for gratis ports as EVs, might only feed confusion.
Regulators must also still come to terms with plug-in hybrids that are not plugged in as often as is assumed when calculating emissions and efficiency rankings. Plug-in hybrids are only useful in the event that they’re usually charged and driven on electric power. And if owners aren’t doing that, it could change into an even bigger obstacle to reducing real-world emissions if plug-in hybrid sales proceed to grow.
This Article First Appeared At www.greencarreports.com
