Plug-in hybrids were meant as a bridge to EVs — now they're fading

Plug-in hybrids were sold as a middle ground: a cord-chargeable battery for short electric trips and a gasoline engine for longer drives. Unlike mild hybrids, PHEVs plug in and can run on electricity alone for short distances, but consumer interest has waned — "Consumers really don't seem to like them," Kevin Roberts of CarGurus said.

Sales have fallen sharply. CarGurus data shows year-over-year plug-in hybrid sales dropped 51.8% in January while mild-hybrid sales rose 12.7%, and the average listed price for a plug-in hybrid climbed to $70,565 from $62,079 a year earlier. Automakers are trimming their PHEV lineups.

Stellantis has canceled or discontinued several models, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Wrangler 4xe, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Alfa Romeo Tonale hybrid and Dodge Hornet R/T. Ford is ending production of the Escape and Lincoln Corsair plug-in variants, Kia has stopped selling the Niro PHEV in the U.S., and Volvo ended U.S.

United States

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