BOULDER, Colo. (Jan. 21, 2013) — Sales of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) have fallen short of projections, but a recent study indicates interest in these vehicles is growing, particularly in large metropolitan areas.
A recent report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant Consulting Inc.'s Energy Practice, found that cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle combine large population areas with early rollout schedules from vehicle manufacturers, as well as positive attitudes toward PEVs among residents. That makes them fertile ground for PEV manufacturers in coming years. Pike said sales of PEVs in the largest 102 cities in the U.S. will total slightly more than 1.8 million from 2012 through 2020.
"More than a quarter of all annual U.S. PEV sales will be in the top five metropolitan areas for PEV sales—New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Portland," said Dave Hurst, senior research analyst. "But thanks to a combination of positive attitudes towards green driving, high fuel prices and state government support, California metropolitan statistical areas will account for more than one in five PEVs sold."
The report's analysis indicates PEV acceptance is strongly linked to not only the availability of PEV models, but also the accessibility of charging infrastructure. Texas, for example, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of EV charging stations available in 2012, according to the report.
Pike Research's index of positive opinions toward PEVs moved that state's ranking from 42nd in 2010 to fourth in 2012—the largest change of any state in the index.
The report, "Electric Vehicle Geographic Forecasts," provides data and forecasts for the PEV market for U.S. states and metropolitan statistical areas as well as Canadian provinces and cities. It also includes forecasts for PEV sales across selected electric utility service territories. The data includes sales forecasts from 2012 to 2020 at each geographic level as well as analysis of major trends in the forecasts.
An executive summary of the report is available for free download on the website of Pike Research, which joined Navigant's global Energy Practice in July 2012. The company provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.