When Japanese automaker Toyota first brought hybrids to the U.S. in the early 2000s, they were at the cutting edge of green transportation. But soon after, EVs stole the spotlight. Elon Musk-led Tesla disrupted the auto industry and nearly every major legacy automaker scrambled to take part in the coming EV revolution. With almost no fully electric vehicles, the once vanguard Toyota looked behind the times. However, as of early 2024, EV sales are leveling off and hybrids are making a comeback. Automakers such as Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai and General Motors are all either pulling back on EV production or boosting the manufacture of the humble hybrid. The vast majority of hybrids are standard ones - with an engine and backup battery. But plug-in hybrids are a growing category. Automakers such as GM are reintroducing them to North America.

Chapters:
00:00 – 01:55 Intro
01:56 – 05:42 The hybrid surge
05:43 – 09:36 EV troubles
09:37 – 14:46 What’s next

Producer: Robert Ferris
Editor: Darren Geeter
Animation: Jason Reginato
Senior Managing Producer: Tala Hadavi
Additional footage: Getty Images, Toyota, Tesla, Ford, Volvo, Hyundai

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Why Hybrids Are Beating EVs In The U.S.