After decades of dominance by internal combustion engines, the worldwide automobile market is diversifying at a rapid pace.  Government incentives, consumer desire for more fuel-efficient, cleaner forms of transportation, and fleet managers’ interest in lower-cost operations are all driving growth in electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuel vehicles, including ones powered by fuel cells and natural gas.  According to a recent report from Navigant Research, worldwide sales of electric and alternative fuel vehicles will grow from 6.6 million in 2014 to nearly 12.4 million in 2022.

“Although gasoline and diesel will still account for the majority of vehicle purchases 8 years from now, EVs, fuel cell vehicles, and natural gas vehicles will present a growing number of buyers with appealing choices,” says Scott Shepard, research analyst with Navigant Research.  “Reduced fuel costs and savings on maintenance are the primary reasons for growing interest in these vehicles, but new technology is making them attractive in other areas, as well.”

The increasing availability of electric vehicles is playing a major role in the development of this market, according to the report.  Hybrid electric vehicles are widely available in North America, Western and Eastern Europe, and Asia Pacific, but limited elsewhere.  Plug-in hybrid and battery electric models are increasing in number, and will be less limited by the end of 2014 or mid-2015 in most regions.  Automakers have yet to launch plug-in hybrid models in many countries, but several new models are expected to launch in 2014-2015.

The report, “Electric Vehicle Market Forecasts”, provides forecasts, market sizing, and market share analysis for the overall light-duty (LD) vehicle market and LD hybrid EVs, plug-in hybrid EVs, and battery EVs.  The report includes comprehensive data for vehicle sales and vehicles in use (parc) for the global LD vehicle market, as well as the three EV segments.  Also provided are the underlying forecast assumptions for the consumer and fleet markets.  Global forecasts for annual LD vehicle sales and vehicle parcs (or vehicles in use), segmented by world region, key country, and drivetrain, extend through 2022.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries.  In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets.  The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, and Smart Buildings sectors.