【单选题】According to the passage, electric and hybrid cars failed to capture the American automotive market in the early twentieth century because of what factor?
A.
The improvement in cost and performance of gasoline-powered cars
B.
The superior fuel efficiency of hybrid cars
C.
The substandard performance of steam-powered cars
D.
Consumer fear of being electrocuted by gasoline-electric hybrids
E.
Government subsidies for gasoline- and coal-powered cars