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The late 1960s ushered in a paradigm shift as rising gas prices ignited growing concerns about air pollution. In 1966, Congress began promoting legislation aimed at encouraging the development of electric vehicles. As governmental regulations tightened, American manufacturers sought to integrate electric power into their offerings, marking the transition towards hybrid vehicles. However, it was in Japan where the true revolution began; Toyota's introduction of the Prius in 1997 marked the first commercially successful mass-produced hybrid car. With around 18,000 units sold in its debut year, the Prius opened the floodgates for other manufacturers, reshaping the automotive landscape.