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Before EVs became political in the US, there was the Toyota Prius
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The groundbreaking 2001 Prius kicked off an era of petrol-electric hybrids and built Toyota’s reputation as the global leader in green cars.
PHOTO: ADAM RIDING/NYTIMES
Lawrence Ulrich
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NEW YORK - In a different world, an electric vehicle would be just another car. But in today’s hyperpartisan climate, battery-powered cars carry not just passengers but a punishing load of political and cultural baggage.
Supporters may view electric cars as heroes, helping halt climate change or making American automakers more competitive around the world. But others see in them the heavy hand of government, pressuring consumers to ditch petrol whether they are ready to or not.
