One solution may be buying a Prius with a dead battery and doing the replacement work yourself. Elbow grease is required, and I know you didn't like the complexity and potential problems of two powertrains, but it could be far less expensive. [Video here.](https://youtu.be/Q3RCdrh666w)

A pure electric is a good option for a commuter car and short-distance driving, but the expense is significant, the battery replacement cost is significant (although avoided in your lease plan), and neither mains power nor solar nor battery technology is very environmentally friendly, but solar at home is becoming more viable nowadays. It could work.

A simple gas-powered economy car is still probably the best way to go, IMHO. New automatic transmissions are starting to be more efficient than manuals. Support infrastructure is everywhere.