Hybrids are more popular than ever as shoppers cool on EVs [Video]

This year is shaping up to be a big one for hybrid cars, a segment once thought to be a relic of the pre-Tesla EV market.

After demand for electric cars pulled back suddenly in the second half of last year, 2024 has started with slowing sales of battery-powered cars. Fewer new-car shoppers are considering EVs for their next vehicle, according to JD Power, with shoppers citing a lack of access to charging infrastructure as a main reason for ruling out EVs.

That’s where hybrids are getting the advantage. Interest in these vehicles — which come in plug-in varieties or come with hybrid engines that don’t need to be hooked up to a charger at all — is on the rise as a new, more practical green car customer emerges.

Brands that have leaned into hybrids saw better sales results in February. Toyota, for example, reported an 84% increase in EV and hybrid sales. The Japanese automaker …