"We should stop talking about it as transitional technology," Farley said of hybrids at a Bernstein conference.
Farley's commentary marks a significant shift in the automotive industry’s dialogue around hybrid technologies. Typically seen as interim solutions on the path to fully electric vehicles, Farley argues for the enduring relevance of hybrids. He pointed out how essential they are for meeting current consumer needs and environmental goals.
The landscape of hybrid vehicle technology features a variety of models. Plug-in hybrids typically have a small battery best suited for shorter distances. The relevance of these may wane as technology advances. On the other hand, extended-range hybrids come equipped with larger battery packs and gas engine generators. An example includes the Ram 1500 Ramcharger.
Hybrid vehicles have experienced a surge in demand over the past year, prompting automakers to scale back on their drive to go electric.
Ford is aiming to quadruple hybrid sales over the next several years, executives have said. It has pulled back on some of its EV investments and pushed back production of EVs in Canada and the U.S.
Source: Autoblog
