Why hybrids — not EVs — are winning over US consumers
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. fell in April, contrasting with growth in other regions like Europe. Instead, consumers are increasingly opting for hybrid vehicles, which offer better fuel efficiency without the need for charging. The high upfront costs of EVs remain a significant barrier for many American drivers.
- ▪Sales of new EVs dropped approximately 18 percent from March to April.
- ▪The average transaction price for an EV was $6,214 higher than for internal combustion engine vehicles.
- ▪Sales of hybrids increased by 20 percent year-over-year and nearly 50 percent since February.
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Tik Root Senior Staff Writer Published May 22, 2026 Topic Climate + Solutions Share/Republish Copy Link Republish Copy Link Email SMS X Facebook Republish Reddit LinkedIn Bluesky Even as gas prices continued to rise across the United States, sales of electric vehicles fell in April. That is in contrast to strong growth elsewhere in the world, such as Europe. But American drivers are gravitating toward at least one more efficient powertrain: hybrids. Sales of new EVs fell roughly 18 percent from March to April, according to the latest data from Edmunds, an auto research firm. Another company, Cox Automotive, pegged the drop at closer to 6 percent. Either way, experts said it’s clear that high gas prices aren’t leading to a significant shift toward EVs.
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