Trump Wants to Kill Electric Cars? Americans Choose Hybrids
- Published on 11/08/2026 15:34
As the Trump administration criticizes electric cars, hybrid model sales soar in the United States.
Donald Trump is not shy about his hostility toward electric cars and the policies aimed at accelerating their adoption in the United States. However, American drivers do not seem eager to return en masse to the traditional combustion engine. They are choosing a third way: hybrids.
In July, hybrid car sales in the United States increased by nearly 20% year-on-year, while the overall automotive market declined by 1.5%, according to data reported by the Financial Times. This trend particularly benefits Asian manufacturers.
Hyundai reportedly recorded a spectacular 62% increase in its hybrid sales, while Toyota rose by 22%. Together with Honda, the three brands now account for about 86% of the American hybrid market.
Toyota reaps the benefits of its hybrid strategy
The rise in gas prices is obviously contributing to this phenomenon. However, the hybrid car has a significant advantage in the eyes of American drivers: it allows them to reduce consumption without changing their habits. No charging stations to find, no need to plan for recharging, and an autonomy that is practically no longer an issue. You fill up as before, just less frequently.
The contrast with electric cars in the United States is striking. In July, electric vehicle sales at General Motors reportedly fell by 33%, and Ford’s by 75%. These two American manufacturers are now readjusting their strategy after having invested heavily in fully electric models.
The political context adds a dose of irony. Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has eliminated the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric cars and eased several environmental regulations affecting the automotive industry. Reuters describes a policy aimed at once again facilitating the marketing of gasoline vehicles.
But Americans are not necessarily rushing towards big V8s. They are buying more combustion engines… supported by electric motors.
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In trying to sharply curtail the electric car, Donald Trump could thus indirectly favor a much quieter electrification of the American market: that of hybrids. And Toyota, long criticized for its caution regarding fully electric vehicles, is now seeing its strategy take on a special significance.
This page is translated from the original post "Trump veut tuer la voiture électrique ? Les Américains choisissent l’hybride" in French.
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