Study Shows More Automakers Are Choosing EVs Over Plug-in Hybrids and EREVS

By Eric Loveday

Eric Loveday

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Eric Loveday is a car enthusiast with a love for everything automotive. He purchased a 1970 Chevelle at age 16, quickly outgrew its dated engineering... More

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2,104 views Aug 21, 2009

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According to the director of EV solutions at the California based company Aerovironment, full EVs currently in the development stages and expected to be ready for production within the next three years outnumber the plug-in hybrids and EREV expected to reach the market within the same time frame.

Aerovironment director Kristen Helsel said, "I though the majority would be plug-in, but by our numbers, 60% are full EVs vs. plug-ins."

This research indicates that the majority of automakers are skipping over plug-in and EREV technology in favor of the battery only, emission free full electric technology.  Many had assumed that automakers would follow the gradual process towards electrification of cars going first to hybrids, then to plug-in hybrids, then possibly to EREVs, and finally ending with fully electric vehicles, but the numbers show that many automakers are skipping either from conventional cars to EVs or from hybrid models to EVs.

A study released a couple of weeks ago by the University of California, Berkeley confirms the findings of Aerovironment and raises questions about which technologies are most suitable for the U.S. market.  Their findings suggest consumers prefer full electric vehicles.

Though research suggests full EVs are in high demand, Nissan producers of the full electric LEAF and GM with its EREV Volt, both have different thoughts on the future of vehicles. 

Nissan has stated that they are not surprised by the findings of Aerovironment.  According to Mark Perry, director of product planning for North America, "The automaker is focused on immediately providing the zero emissions benefit of battery only EVs.  Any solution short of this goal are bridge technologies."

GM has a different take on the subject.  Vehicle line director for the Chevy Volt EREV Tony Posawatz said, "For it's part, GM is unfazed.  We think, in the future, battery only will have a place.  But we are convinced consumers will want to avoid range anxiety."

As automakers try to decide what Americans want, the research numbers suggest that most have determined that we want the zero emissions, no gas usage EVs and are willing to attempt to overcome the range anxiety associated with them to drive a vehicle that free us from gasoline forever.

Source:  Wards Auto (Login required)