Recent announcements stating that both Honda and Toyota will soon enter the EV race has many thinking that since nearly every automaker plans an EV for the near future, EV may indeed dominate our roads in a short time. That could not be further from the truth according to Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan.
At a recent Management Briefing Seminar in Traverse City, MI many automakers were on hand to discuss several upcoming vehicles. The talks focused on plug-in hybrids from GM as well as EVs from Nissan. Numerous automakers hinted at their future EV products just years away from development, but none on hand believe that EVs will be the only vehicles on our roads anytime soon.
Nissan North American director of product planning Mark Perry was on hand and spoke about the future of EVs. He noted that Ghosn forecasts that EVs will account for no more than 10% of all global vehicles within the next 10 years. As Perry said, "That, almost by default, means you continue to develop all the other powertrain possibilities. You have to."
There still is some fear that EVs could fail again, but this time most predict EVs will gain a foothold into the automotive market and will remain a competitive segment for the foreseeable future. However, neither Nissan, nor any other major automaker is willing to bet on it. They will continue to develop hybrids, diesels, and the standard internal combustion models alongside their upcoming EVs.
Source: Wards Auto (Login required)
