In the U.S., hybrid sales have been on fire as of late as more and more consumers gravitate toward partial electrification as a suitable bridge between traditional ICE vehicles and EVs. This makes sense given the fact that hybrids tend to offer the best of both worlds with improved fuel economy and the ability to refuel quickly, which is great for longer trips, and is also why The Blue Oval plans to offer a hybrid version of every model in its ICE-focused Ford Blue lineup by 2030. However, while plug-in hybrids are quite popular in other parts of the world, it seems as if Americans aren’t embracing them fully as of yet.
According to a new study from J.D. Power, PHEVs currently hold just a 1.9 percent market share in the U.S., compared to 9.4 percent for pure EVs and 10.7 percent for traditional hybrids. Even more alarming, there are currently more plug-in hybrids on sale than regular hybrids – 41 versus 39. This, despite the fact that PHEVs have long been touted as the perfect alternative to both, since they can travel short distances on electric power only, can be charged at home, and still employ a gas engine for longer trips.
There are a few reasons why Americans aren’t embracing plug-in hybrids, including the fact that they cost significantly more than hybrids or even EVs in some cases. The average transaction price for a compact PHEV SUV is currently $48,700, compared to $37,700 for a hybrid of the same type and $36,900 for an EV. On top of that, J.D. Power notes that overall customer satisfaction with PHEVs recently came in at just 669 out of 1,000 possible points, compared to 716 for mass market EVs and 738 for premium all-electric vehicles. Additionally, plug-in hybrids tout a five-year cost of ownership that’s just one percent cheaper than all other fuel types.
Most recently, more Americans are switching from ICE vehicles to traditional hybrids than EVs as interest in pure electric models has waned somewhat following a hot start. A recent report also indicated that PHEVs and EVs are less reliable in general than ICE vehicles, which could play a part in this trend, too.
Comments
They haven’t and they won’t BECAUSE THERE’S A PLUG AND THEY HATE PLUGS! Oh, but automakers ignore the public, still, and push these overpriced absurdities to at least get some EV glory that they all totally screwed up on.
The issue is cost, and ROI. While the government and industry has thrown money and incentives at BEVs, they look to offset BEV losses via PHEVs.
Additionally, there’s not many PHEVs that fit the target market for a PHEV. There are zero PHEV trucks. There is one PHEV large 3 row family SUV (Lexus TX which is $16k more than the equivalent ICE trim). At that sort of a price premium, it takes forever to have an ROI, especially at 40ish miles per charge