Shoppers of Electrified Cars Favor Hybrids

A Kelley Blue Book study finds that more electrified vehicle customers appear to opt for hybrid models than fully electric ones.

The fourth-quarter Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch report found that 18% of such shoppers consider hybrids, while just 9% shop for EVs.

The report, which ranks brands and models in various segments, theorized that could be due to a variety of reasons, including the higher prices of fully electric models, and limited charging infrastructure in less urban areas. It said infrastructure buildout and EV technology advancement could close the gap.

The study also found that Toyota’s hybrids led brands among shoppers of electrified models, followed by Honda. Five Toyota models, including No. 1, Toyota RAV4, and two Honda models made the top 10 most-shopped electrified vehicle list.

Just two fully electric models ranked, the Chevrolet Bolt, at No. 4, and the sole Tesla on the list, the Tesla Model 3, at No. 7. Shopper consideration of Teslas fell for two straight quarters, though its sales increased.

Ford’s F-150 Lightning fell off the study’s top 10, and the brand had just one ranked model, the hybrid Maverick pickup.

The study ranks competitors on a dozen factors crucial to purchases.

LEARN MORE: First-Time EV Buyers Increasing, Study Finds

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today