Until recently, the used car market was dominated by diesel and gasoline models. However, today, the other direction is increasingly visible – hybrid cars are establishing themselves as one of the fastest growing segments. They become an attractive compromise for drivers who want lower fuel consumption and emissions, but are not yet ready for fully electric transport.
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), in 2025 even 34.7 percent in the first half of the year. of all newly registered cars in the European Union (EU) were hybrids. At that time, the total EU market share of gasoline and diesel cars was 37.5 percent. In Lithuania, these numbers are even more impressive – hybrids accounted for 49.4 percent. all markets, surpassing both gasoline and diesel cars (33.6%).
This trend is also confirmed by the used car trading company “Longo LT”. According to the company’s data, in 2023 in the first half of the year, hybrid cars accounted for only 4 percent. their sales. in 2024 – already 5.5%, and in 2025 – even 14%.
“The trend is obvious: sales of hybrid cars are constantly growing. Both their supply and the ranks of interested buyers are increasing,” notes the company’s manager, Paulius Valiukėnas.
According to him, for a long time, simple, self-charging hybrids dominated, but in recent years, models that charge from the grid are increasingly being chosen.
“They become an attractive solution for those who drive short distances every day – for example, 20-30 kilometers to work. Such routes can be covered by most plug-in hybrids using electricity alone. At the same time, with a gasoline engine, such a car can easily cover longer trips,” P. Valiukėnas notes.
Not ecology, but frugality
Hybrid cars, according to the expert, are chosen today primarily not for environmental protection, but for practicality.
“For many buyers, this is a convenient solution for everyday use – the car charges itself while driving, so there is no need to worry about stops or planning trips based on battery level. Fuel consumption is lower, and driving is quieter and smoother,” he says.
For many, it is an optimal compromise between a traditional and an electric car, and for some, it is an intermediate stop towards an electric car. However, some drivers also choose hybrids as a long-term solution, until the charging infrastructure is sufficiently developed.
Toyota is the leader in hybrids
According to P. Valiukėnas, the biggest influence on the buyers’ decision is not the technology itself, but the specific model and its reliability. This makes Toyota and Lexus stand out in the hybrid segment.
Toyota was the first to start purposefully developing hybrid models, and it did so very successfully. Their cars are valued for durability and low fuel consumption, so hybrids of this brand often receive the most trust,” says the expert.
In addition to Toyota Corolla, Auris, CH-R or RAV4, models such as Kia Niro, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volvo V60 or Ford Kuga are also popular.
It is cheaper not only to buy, but also to maintain
Hybrid cars are distinguished not only by lower fuel consumption – especially in the city, where the electric mode is usually activated, but also by simpler operation.
“Hybrid engines work more efficiently, as a result of which brakes, oil and other components wear less. Maintenance costs are often lower than for conventional cars. Although questions often arise about the durability of traction batteries, in reality these components last for a decade or even longer, and their failures are rare,” explains P. Valiukėnas.
Why still not an electric car?
When asked why hybrids are still more popular than electric cars, the manager of Longo LT singles out two main aspects: price and infrastructure.
“The average price of a used car in Lithuania is about 10,000 euros, at that time a used electric car is about 30,000 euros. This is a huge difference. In addition, the charging infrastructure is still not convenient and sufficiently developed for everyone,” he says.
For these reasons, Lithuanians choose what seems to be the most rational solution at the moment – a car that is economical and comfortable to drive and does not require changing daily habits.
The growth of hybrids is just gaining momentum
According to P. Valiukėnas, a clear trend can be observed – the growth of new hybrids on the EU market directly increases the supply of used hybrids in Lithuania, more and more such cars enter the country, and the interest of buyers is growing rapidly.
“The share of gasoline and diesel cars is decreasing due to stricter emission requirements, rising fuel prices and changes in the attitude towards more sustainable transport. The fact that the share of hybrids in Lithuania already exceeds the EU average shows that people here value practicality, and as the infrastructure is still developing, hybrids are becoming a logical solution for today,” concludes the expert.
