Range anxiety fading says market research firm

Something like five million hybrid-drive and battery/electric vehicles will be built for global consumption between now and 2020, a UK-based market analyst has claimed.

That will lift the global parc of 12 million hybrids and EVs to nearly 17 million in just four years, according to a study by Juniper Research.

Range anxiety and lack of public charging infrastructure are the two factors that are principally holding back sales of hybrids (plug-ins particularly) and EVs. Juniper adds to those two a third: minimal public education concerning EVs and hybrids, combined with a dearth of government support for the environmentally-friendly cars in the form of retail incentives.

Although the public is beginning to overcome the resistance to EVs and hybrids, Juniper strongly recommends car companies with an interest in improving sales of such 'electrified' vehicles should embark on an 'aggressive' strategy that places such cars at the very forefront of consumer awareness. This will accelerate consumer acceptance of alternative drivetrain technology.

Both Tesla and Chevrolet, according to the market research firm, peg the lower limit of acceptable vehicle range at 200 miles (322km) from a fully-charged battery.

A survey based around five key considerations – range, sales, infrastructure implementation, R&D lead time and future plans/innovation – has ranked Tesla as the world's leading brand in this sector of the global automotive industry. Tesla is followed by BMW, Nissan, Chevrolet and Ford, in that order. Sales, range and infrastructure pushed Tesla across the line ahead of the other car companies.

The research highlighted an "urgent need to invest in consumer education focusing on the capabilities and benefits of electric vehicles". And the study recommends that car companies take a leading role in educating the public.

No mention is made of fuel cell technology, which is also shaping as a viable solution to the world's climate change and peak oil crises.