While EV sales fell in the first quarter of 2024 by more than 15% compared to the previous three months — their first drop since 2020 — hybrid sales are booming. But Kia sees hybrids as an opportunity to get potential BEV buyers in the door. AdvertisementBut if you look at the largest and arguably most important segment these days, compact SUVs, hybrids account for nearly one-fifth of sales, Kosowski said. AdvertisementFor Kia, building hybrids instead of EVs affects its bottom line beyond the revenue it generates. EVs cost substantially more to build than ICE and hybrid vehicles.

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Persons: —, Steve Kosowski, Kia, Kosowski, Kia Niro, ROBIN TRAJANO, BEV, ZEV Organizations: Service, Business, Long, Kia Motors America, EV, Kia, ICE Locations: PWC