Hybrids remain the preferred choice for U.S. car shoppers looking to pick up the keys to something electrified, a new study from Kelley Blue Book has revealed.
According to the Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch report, which not only examines consumer perception but also analyzes shopping behavior, 24% of new-vehicle shoppers in the United States are considering an electrified vehicle.
Among these shoppers, 18% are contemplating the purchase of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, while only 9% are considering a pure battery-electric vehicle as their potential choice. These findings highlight the ongoing popularity of hybrids and plug-in hybrids among consumers compared to fully electric vehicles.
Read: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Named The Most-Shopped Electrified Vehicle
The results of the study for the first quarter of 2023 closely resemble those previously published earlier this year. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid maintains its position as the most considered electrified model among shoppers, leading the pack ahead of other popular choices such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota Highlanderr Hybrid, Ford Maverick Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Tesla Model Y, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Ford Escape Hybrid.
According to the findings, although the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid continues to be the top choice among a significant number of new-vehicle customers seeking electrified models, there has been a decrease in interest. Specifically, 19% fewer shoppers are currently considering the RAV4 Hybrid compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. Similarly, demand for the CR-V Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid has declined by 15% and 14% respectively. On the other hand, there has been a notable increase in demand for the Ford Maverick Hybrid, with a jump of 32% in customer interest.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Tesla Model 3 held the seventh position as the most considered electrified vehicle, and notably, it was the highest-ranked EV. However, in the latest quarter, it dropped off the top 10 list, making room for the Tesla Model Y, which now sits in the eighth position as the highest-ranked EV.
Regarding the second best-ranked EV, the Chevrolet Bolt, there has been a significant 38% decline in demand compared to the fourth quarter. This decrease is likely influenced by the knowledge that production of the Bolt will cease this year.
