17m hybrid and EVs by 2020, study predicts

According to a new study conducted by Juniper Research, almost 17 million hybrid and electric vehicles will be operating globally by 2020.

The new estimation is five million more than was initially predicted. The study entitled, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Consumer and Commercial Markets, outlined a need to invest in consumer education, focussing on the capabilities and benefits of EVs. It also called for a more aggressive investment plan to install more public charging outlets on all major routes.

The report advised that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) should take a more active role in educating consumers, by investing in campaigns to communicate the capabilities of EVs so they are more likely to be viewed as a real alternative to combustion engines.

Juniper’s research also recommends: the rolling out of a wide-scale public charging infrastructure that is seen as both ongoing and committed; improving vehicle battery life and range per charge; and conducting effective consumer education campaigns, with attractive incentives to change.

Also included in the study, was a list of the top five ranked EV manufacturers, assessed on vehicle range, sales infrastructure implementation, time spent in development and future plans and innovations. Tesla came top of the list, followed by BMW, Nissan, Chevrolet and Ford.

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