There’s a big, nasty problem with “plug-in” hybrid vehicles. In many cases, consumers do not plug them in.
We’ve seen data showing that European PHEVs are rarely plugged in (although that finding is clouded by the number of company cars in the data set). And American, Japanese and German automakers typically do not share any data about how often customers plug in their PHEVs. Anecdotally, we hear many examples of consumers never charging their plug-in cars.
When that happens, they’ve essentially paid more for a less efficient version of a regular hybrid. Now General Motors CEO Mary Barra is admitting that this is a problem. It’s up to automakers to solve it. Here’s what else is on our radar today:
Mercedes created America’s only eyes-off driver assistance feature. Read why it’s already dead.
The Tesla Cybertruck is crashing out.
Honda’s electric “Saloon” gets a minor delay.
—Mack Hogan, Deputy Editor
Photo: Chevrolet
GM's CEO Just Admitted An Uncomfortable Truth About Plug-In Hybrids
General Motors CEO Mary Barra has a grim assessment for drivers of plug-in hybrids: "They don't plug them in."
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The Only 'Eyes-Off' Driving System For Personal Cars In America Is Dead
Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot system, available on the EQS EV and S-Class gas sedan, has been temporarily scrapped.
Photo: Ford
America’s Best-Selling Electric Trucks In 2025: The Tesla Cybertruck Crashes Out
No, the Tesla Cybertruck wasn’t the best-selling electric pickup. But at least it wasn’t discontinued.
Photo: InsideEVs
The Honda 0 Series Saloon Gets Delayed To 2027
The electric Acura RSX and 0 Series SUV are still supposed to launch in 2026. Here's why the 0 Series Saloon didn't make the cut.