It looks like Toyota is still not getting the message: people want electric vehicles, not hybrids. Despite all the evidence pointing to the inevitable growth of EVs in the auto industry, Toyota insists on sticking with hybrids, claiming, “That’s our strategy, and we’re sticking to it.” Well, Toyota, you may end up being left behind as nearly every other automaker, nation, and organization is moving toward sustainable, fully-electric vehicles.
Electric vehicle market growth across the globe
Toyota is one of the few automakers left in the industry that has yet to realize what the future has in store. Electrek has been calling for the transition to EVs to happen much quicker than most have predicted, and so far, the EV adoption pace continues intensifying.
Few industries are experiencing the rapid growth that electric vehicles are garnering. In 2021, sales of electric vehicles doubled to a record 6.6 million, according to data from the International Energy Agency, claiming almost 10% of the market!
In comparison, nine years ago, only 120,000 EVs were sold globally. More than that is sold each week now, and the pace is only expected to accelerate from here.
The latest data shows the electric vehicle market was valued at $287 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2028, growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 24.3%.
Governments in all major regions are implementing EV mandates and incentives to promote fewer carbon emissions and protect the environment. For example, the US has a goal of 50% electric vehicle market share by 2030, while Europe has proposed an all-out ban on fossil fuel cars by 2035, much like California – and now New York – is doing. Despite this, Toyota is backing its hybrid strategy going forward.
Toyota dealership Source: Toyota
Toyota ranks last in decarbonization efforts
Even with all of this information, Toyota has been much slower to adapt and, for that reason, ranks last in its decarbonization efforts.
A recent study from Greenpeace found Toyota ranked last out of the top ten automakers after failing to generate even 1% of sales from zero-emission vehicles, not hybrids.
More importantly, the study found Toyota had the least developed supply chains to support a sustainable future. A climate campaigner from Greenpeace Japan even stated:
The time for hybrids, I think, has finished.
And they are right about that. Hybrids are only good as a bridge to fully-electric vehicles. In my opinion, they are inefficient and not optimized for either gas or electric. However, that being said, Toyota has been mass-producing hybrids since releasing the Prius in 1997.
Toyota sticking to its hybrid strategy despite calls for EVs
In an interview with reporters Thursday, Toyota’s CEO, Akio Toyoda, reiterated the automaker’s strategy to keep hybrids and fuel cell vehicles in its lineup, comparing the company to a department store.
The Japanese automaker’s leader also spoke on new zero-emission mandates and calls to end gas-powered vehicle sales, saying it would be “rather difficult” to achieve, stating:
Playing to win means playing with all the cards in the deck – not just a select few. So that’s our strategy and we’re sticking to it.
Fair enough, but what happens when nobody wants those other cards (cars)? Or, more importantly, if those cards are no longer an option due to regulation?
Toyota claims, “We don’t want to leave anyone behind,” yet they may end up being the ones left behind.
Electrek’s Take
It’s the same record on repeat out of Toyota. After growing to become the world’s largest automaker by offering hybrid technology, the company does not want to conform. They believe whole-heartedly in their hybrid strategy.
Meanwhile, technology has progressed significantly during this time, and companies like Tesla are proving the future is all-electric vehicles.
Tesla, exclusively selling EVs, claims the Model Y is on its way to generating the most revenue of any car this year, and will most likely be the top-selling vehicle overall next year.
Almost every other automaker you can think of, both new and legacy, is planning for an all-electric lineup. Will Toyota come around? As the industry (and the entire world) continues progressing toward a clean, sustainable future, Toyota may soon reconsider its hybrid strategy.
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Hyundai’s electric SUV is more affordable than ever. After cutting lease prices again this month, you can lease the new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, which now features a longer range and a Tesla NACS charging port, for just $179 per month.
Hyundai cuts 2025 IONIQ 5 lease prices again in June
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is better in every way possible compared to the outgoing model. It now boasts up to 318 miles of driving range, sleek new styling both inside and out, and an NACS port, allowing you to charge at Tesla Superchargers.
Hyundai’s electric SUV remains a top seller in the US with nearly 16,000 models sold through May. After cutting lease prices again in June, Hyundai looks to draw in even more buyers.
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range RWD is now listed at just $179 for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing. That’s a notable difference from May.
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Last month, IONIQ 5 lease prices started at $209 a month. Although that was considered one of the best EV deals, the new rate will save you $30 a month.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited (Source: Hyundai)
The SE Standard Range trim starts at $43,975, with a driving range of up to 245 miles. However, the extended range SE model may be an even better deal. You can upgrade to the longer-range SE trim, which has up to 318 miles of range, for just $199 a month.
You can even lease the off-road XRT variant for $299 a month right now. Hyundai’s offers end on July 7 and include the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim
EV Powertrain
Driving Range (miles)
Starting Price*
Monthly lease price June 2025
IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range
168-horsepower rear motor
245
$42,500
$179
IONIQ 5 SE RWD
225-horsepower rear motor
318
$46,550
$199
IONIQ 5 SEL RWD
225-horsepower rear motor
318
$49,500
$209
IONIQ 5 Limited RWD
225-horsepower rear motor
318
$54,200
$309
IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD
320-horsepower dual motor
290
$50,050
$249
IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD
320-horsepower dual motor
290
$53,000
$259
IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor AWD
320 horsepower dual motor
259
$55,400
$359
IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD
320-horsepower dual motor
269
$58,100
$299
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 prices and range by trim (*includes $1,475 destination fee)
As an added bonus, Hyundai is still offering a free ChargePoint Level 2 home charger with the purchase or lease of a new 2025 IONIQ 5. If you already have one, you can opt for a $400 public charging credit.
With Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” calling to end federal EV incentives, including the $7,500 tax credit, many of these savings will soon dry up.
Want to check out Hyundai’s electric SUV for yourself? With leases as low as $179 per month, it’s hard to pass up right now. You can use our link to find deals on the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 in your area (trusted affiliate link).
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Canadian oil and gas pipeline giant Enbridge just launched its first solar farm in Texas, adding more clean energy to its “all-of-the-above” energy mix, mainly fossil fuels.
Enbridge’s Orange Grove Solar project in Jim Wells County now sends up to 130 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity to the Texas ERCOT grid. That’s enough to power around 24,000 homes. Roughly 300,000 solar panels stretch across 920 acres.
AT&T has signed a long-term virtual power purchase agreement for all the output from Orange Grove. That deal helps AT&T reduce its carbon footprint and stabilize long-term energy costs.
“We are pleased to be able to deliver additional zero-emission electricity into the grid in support of local and Texas state-wide economic growth and energy demand,” said Matthew Akman, Enbridge’s EVP of corporate strategy and president of its power business.
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This isn’t Enbridge’s first dip into renewables: it bought its first wind farm in 2002, and it says its renewable assets are part of its plan to achieve net zero by 2050.
But Enbridge is still ultimately best known for its oil and gas pipelines – and its troubled environmental history. In 1991, the company was responsible for the largest inland oil spill in the US, in Minnesota. It’s faced criticism for other spills and environmental risks tied to its pipeline network, which is the longest across North America and the largest oil export pipeline network in the world.
Enbridge is building a second, much larger solar farm southeast of Abilene in Callahan County. Called the Sequoia Solar project, it’s expected to generate 815 MW of power – more than six times the size of Orange Grove – making it one of the biggest solar farms in North America once it’s complete.
Both projects are part of Enbridge’s growing push into clean power, especially in Texas, where demand for electricity in the ERCOT market keeps climbing. It’s a notable shift for a company still deeply rooted in fossil fuels without plans to abandon them. But it’s now tapping into the sun as part of its evolving energy portfolio.
Akman continued, “Enbridge is proud to operate a wide range of critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf Coast area, including liquids pipelines and export facilities, natural gas pipelines and storage, as well as wind and now solar power.”
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Kia’s new entry-level EV was spotted driving in the US with its official launch just around the corner. The EV4 is Kia’s first electric sedan, and in real life, it looks even better.
Kia EV4 spotted in real life on US streets
We’ve been waiting since Kia’s first annual EV day in 2023, when we first saw the concept for the electric sedan, to finally arrive. The EV4 is part of the brand’s new lineup of entry-level electric vehicles, alongside the EV2, EV3, and EV5.
After opening EV4 pre-orders in Korea earlier this year, Kia is preparing to launch it globally. The electric car starts at about $30,000 (41.92 million won) in its home market.
Similar to Korea, the EV4 will be offered in the US with two battery options: 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The entry-level “Light” trim will come with a standard 58.3 kWh battery, which Kia estimates will provide a range of 235 miles.
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The Wind and GT-Line trims will be available with the long-range 81.4 kWh battery, providing up to 330 miles of range.
2026 Kia EV4 (Source: Kia)
Kia says the EV4’s sports car-like design contributed to its impressive driving range. With a drag coefficient of just 0.23, the EV4 is Kia’s most aerodynamic vehicle yet.
It will also come with a built-in NACS port on the front passenger side for charging at Tesla Superchargers. With DC fast charging, the EV4 can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes (Light battery). The long-range (81.4 kWh) battery will take around 31 minutes.
2026 Kia EV4 electric sedan (Source: Kia)
The EV4 was recently spotted driving in the US ahead of its official launch, giving us a better idea of what Kia’s electric sedan looks like in real life.
The video, courtesy of KindelAuto, shows the EV4 with Michigan plates on public roads. You can see it’s not your average four-door sedan. Kia calls it an “entirely new type of EV sedan” with a wide, low stance.
2026 Kia EV6 spotted driving in the US ahead of upcoming launch (Source: KindelAuto)
Kia’s new “EV Tiger Face” design is showcased up front, featuring vertical headlights and its signature Star Map lighting.
The interior will feature nearly 30″ of screen space as part of Kia’s new connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system.
Kia EV4 GT-Line interior (Source: Kia)
The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver display and navigation screens, plus a 5″ climate screen. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Kia will launch the EV4 in Europe later this year and in the US in early 2026. We will learn prices closer to when it arrives, but Kia’s electric sedan is expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
We also got a look at the upcoming EV4 GT this week, after it was spotted outside Kia and Hyundai’s facility in Korea.
What do you think about Kia’s first electric sedan? Would you buy one for around $35,000? Let us know in the comments.
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