"Pike Research forecasts that the market for plug-in hybrid and battery electric passenger cars and light duty trucks will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 106% between 2010 and 2015, resulting in sales of more than 3.24 million vehicles during that period."
"The sedan will likely be priced in the low to mid thirty thousand dollar range after subsidies and it’s meant to be a practical car for a mainstream driver — albeit the early-adopter, EV-friendly mainstream driver. " [GigaOm]
"GM is in China today showcasing its Chevy Volt electric vehicle with extended range, as the American automaker announced this very populous nation will be one of the initial markets outside the U.S. to get the car. Plans are in motion to offer the Volt for sale locally starting sometime next year."
The study, “Electric Vehicles: The Future of Driving,” finds that consumers are concerned about several disadvantages with electric vehicles. Fifty percent of respondents are concerned about mileage potential before needing to recharge and 34 percent are worried about battery life. Other key concerns include cost of the vehicle, reliability and availability of charging station.
The study finds running out of battery power on the road (71 percent), lack of charging stations and/or not being able to recharge (66 percent) and limited mileage (59 percent) are the most common perceived disadvantages with electric vehicles.
"The race organizer Louis Palmer won the European Solar Prize after driving a solar-powered vehicle around the world in 2008. He says in a press release that the “race” is against climate change and disappearing fuel."
The next-generation of cars, in general, are also being influenced by the always-on, cell phone and gadget revolution, increasingly offering intuitive user interfaces, a web connection and a set of standard applications to help drivers navigate and manage fuel consumption. Loading cars with driver-facing tech could be key to boosting automakers’ margins on smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles.
General Motors today said that thanks to strong public interest in the Chevrolet Volt, the 340-mile extended range electric vehicle, it will increase U.S. production capacity of the groundbreaking new car by 50 percent, from 30,000 units to 45,000 units, in 2012.
"..the Volt doesn’t have to be a breakaway hit for it to be success in GM’s eyes. The Prius will no doubt outsell it for years and the same probably goes for the Nissan Leaf. But GM’s in this for the long run and the Volt is just the beginning."
"People on Tuesday will be able to order a Volt from www.getmyvolt.com and be able to track the status of their order as GM starts delivery of the car later this year."
Founder @ Dearing Group LLC.
George can be reached via email at george@dearinggroup.com or on Twitter, and Facebook Subscribe to this site via RSS here.
