Industry News: How Many Auto Execs Are Skeptical About EVs and Hybrids?

[William Maley]

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 5, 2012

A study done by consulting firm KPMG found out two-thirds of auto execs that combined hybrid and EV sales will account for as little as 6% of the market in the United States and Western Europe as late as 2025. However, the execs say they will still invest in the technology.

"They are hedging their bets. They are saying that we don't know yet what the winning vehicle technology will be for the future, and so they are going to invest in all of it and let the market decide," said Gary Silberg, national auto industry leader for KPMG.

The study, which asked 200 auto execs also revealed;

• 81 percent anticipate larger investments in battery packs and battery cell technology
  
• 85 percent believe automakers will invest in more electric motor production
  
• 76 percent expect more investment in electronics for electric vehicles
  

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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[ocnblu]

This auto exec agrees. I am totally skeptical. Happy to be in good company.

[67impss]

but Blu you're not investing

[regfootball]

translation, batteries will continue to be expensive and are not close to totally replacing the behavior of the gas tank and engine with convenience.

I do think Volt is the future, and eAssist type stuff is a great bridge. I am sure hybrid synergy drive will be able to fulfill the needs of ecoweenies emotionally for the foreseeable future.

If gas cars average 25mpg now, the moment our cars average 50mpg, the price of gas will at least be double.

[G. David Felt]

Like many things, This type of technology will need the next 25 years to grow and show people that is can replace their current gas only vehicles. Just as computers took 20 years to get to a certian saturation point. This technology will also take time.

Smart people will continue to invest in it for those that are happy with a Volt, Prius, Leaf type auto.

So far, I do not fit in the small hybrids / EV / what ever other term you want to use. Till they have something that gives me what I get out of my Suburban 4x4, gas it will be for me.