I agree that hauling around all that weight of an ICE, electric motors, a heavier power transmission and distribution system, and batteries doesn’t seem to make much sense on paper.
But if we have to appease the insane green zealots and government kooks, then hybrid make a lot more sense that all EV. It’s a compromise with the tyrannical dictators.
I really didn’t think the Toyota hybrid drivetrain would pan out when it was first introduced for the reasons you listed. But it’s been a huge success.
You are correct, the government presence distorts all reason and if it means hybrids to keep the rats placated that is what we are stuck with. Toyota is looking like the sharpest knife in the drawer now. Of course they have the advantage of being Japanese and not totally under the US Government boots.
You get to delete most of a conventional car's transmission*, the starter, the alternator, and you can use a smaller ICE and a smaller 12v battery, since the 12v battery doesn't start the ICE.
*Hybrids have a transmission, but it's simpler and lighter in weight than a conventional automatic.