Part 10/13:
Hybrids emerge as a temporary stopgap. In the U.S., hybrid sales surged 53% in 2023 and are projected to continue growing, with the global market estimated at nearly $300 billion in 2024 and expected to surpass $500 billion by 2032. GM initially skipped hybrids entirely, aiming directly for full EVs. Yet, as roadblocks materialize—slower battery costs, consumer hesitation, and policy uncertainties—GM now plans to introduce nine hybrid models by 2027. However, hybrids are fundamentally interim solutions; as battery costs decrease further and EVs become more economical, hybrids will likely become obsolete, serving only as costly bridges rather than the industry’s ultimate solution.