Experts tell us we will be driving gasoline-powered cars into the near future.
Automakers have been trying to squeeze as many miles as they can out of a gallon of gas.
Improvements are possible with aerodynamics and the use of things like stop-start engines. But those gains are minimal.
"You are not suddenly going to find 10 miles a gallon," said Keith Barry, an automotive expert with Consumer Reports.
Barry said to get more mileage from gas engines, makers will have to continue pairing them with batteries or electric motors. That's the hybrid.
"Hybridization of cars seems to be the way to move forward," said Barry. "Save money on gas and to make vehicles that drive better."
U.S. hybrid vehicle registrations have nearly doubled from 3.7 million in 2016 to 7.4 million in 2023.
Another 1.6 million hybrid cars were sold in 2024.
Toyota made a bold move in 2025, making its number one selling sedan a hybrid only.
"Every Camry now is a hybrid," said Barry.
More than 10 years ago, hybrids had a reputation for being slow, low-power vehicles.
"Now automakers are tuning them for better performance as well as fuel economy," Barry added. "So, sometimes the better the version of the car, the more fun to drive, is the hybrid."
Most hybrids today are getting over 40 and 50 miles per gallon.
Adding more technology could double those numbers.