Skip to main content

Long-range electric vehicles ‘set to gain popularity globally’

According to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, the global electric vehicles (EV) market has made huge progress, with more than 55 models now available globally. Currently, over 70 per cent of the models on the market are battery EVs (BEVs) and approximately 25 per cent are plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs). Nevertheless, the number of PHEVs is likely to increase over the next three to four years. The market will see greater demand for longer-range vehicles that allow customers to drive up to and past the pure EV
April 22, 2015 Read time: 3 mins
According to new analysis from 2097 Frost & Sullivan, the global electric vehicles (EV) market has made huge progress, with more than 55 models now available globally. Currently, over 70 per cent of the models on the market are battery EVs (BEVs) and approximately 25 per cent are plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs). Nevertheless, the number of PHEVs is likely to increase over the next three to four years. The market will see greater demand for longer-range vehicles that allow customers to drive up to and past the pure EV range. The 1731 BMW i3 sales split between BEV and extended range EVs (eREVs) demonstrates this trend.
 
The analysis, Strategic Outlook of Global Electric Vehicle Market in 2015, finds that EV sale volumes stood at 304,683 units in 2014 and estimates this to reach 466,407 units in 2015. At the end of the year, North America will continue to lead with a market share of 36 per cent, followed by Europe and China with a share of 27 and 24 percent respectively. The study covers PHEVs, BEVs, neighbourhood EVs and eREVs.
 
“Major EV original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as, Tesla and Daimler expect to benefit from incentives and subsidies in China and have thus designed growth strategies to establish themselves firmly in the market,” said Frost & Sullivan Automotive & Transportation senior research analyst Prajyot Sathe. “However, with the annual decrease in incentives by five percent in China, some OEMs are looking at offering alternative technologies such as fuel cell vehicles to qualify for incentives.”
 
Although the EV market is growing in all regions, overall sales have not met the expectations of automakers. Automakers in Europe and North America have not managed to achieve sales targets mainly due to end users’ reluctance to adopt new technologies, the long charging time for vehicles, and the lack of awareness on the benefits of EVs.
 
While sales in the United States EV market have increased by 30 per cent from its 2013 level, the number of PHEVs and EVs stand at approximately 162,000 – far from the one-million unit goal for 2015. As part of the strategy to expand sales, automakers are trying to double the energy density of Li-ion technology to improve EV range.
 
“To further boost sales, EV OEMs are focusing on improving accessibility by establishing EV charging networks through partnerships,” noted Sathe. “Tesla, however, is building its proprietary super charging network and has over 120 stations in the US, 75 in Europe and 25 in Asia, where installations are anticipated to double by the end of this year.”

Related Content

  • January 22, 2014
    In-car electronics and user demand for connectivity make case for automotive Ethernet
    According to Frost and Sullivan, the use of Ethernet technology in automotive is gaining pace in Europe and North America. The paradigm shift towards connected cars and associated services such as automotive app stores and connected location-based services is fuelling the uptake. Along with the need to integrate multiple consumer electronic devices, the importance of offering prioritised, personalised services and maintaining brand identity are compelling automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) t
  • September 19, 2012
    Electric motor market expected to flourish in the next decade
    Developments in the electric vehicle market are expected to boost growth in the electric motor market according to consulting and research organisations IDTechEX and Frost & Sullivan. As electric vehicles head towards mass production, the model of electric motor supply also requires changes in the future. In its 2012 market forecast with a ten year horizon, IDTechEX, a consulting and research organisation, argues that: “Any motor manufacturer without a compelling line up of electric vehicles by 2025 is sign
  • July 25, 2017
    Global automotive aftermarket boosted by eRetailing, telematics, says research
    Global Automotive Aftermarket Outlook, recent research from Frost & Sullivan, indicates that penetration of eRetailing in the automotive aftermarket is increasing significantly and is expected to cross US$21 billion globally by the end of 2017. The study provides an overview of the global automotive aftermarket and its growth opportunities. Main industry trends, growth prospects, VIO, eRetail dashboards, country snapshots, and opportunities in North America, Europe, China, India and Latin America are provid
  • December 16, 2016
    Ridesharing market attracts investors in Europe and North America
    Investors are racing to claim a stake in the potential multibillion-dollar ridesharing market. Advances in Technology that aid in the adoption of ridesharing, while governmental policy support, such as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and toll-fee waivers, are bolstering market evolution, says Frost and Sullivan. The North American and European ridesharing market will see strong growth, with rideshare operators rolling out new business models to target niche customer segments. And in the European marke