As the first highway-speed electric sedans hit the market for model year 2011, buyers are wondering, What comes next? Will electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids grab the headlines? Will the number of flexible fuel ethanol vehicles continue to increase? Will fuel cell vehicles be available?
Toyota, which introduced the first hybrid electric vehicle, expects to roll out its Prius plug-in hybrid in 2012 and may introduce an all-electric RAV4. Toyota also plans to put gasoline-electric hybrid engines in all its vehicles by 2012.
Subaru plans to introduce a hybrid-electric version of the Impreza, and Mitsubishi’s all-electric MiEV mini-car is expected to be an urban runabout car that’s easy to park in small spaces.
The Focus will be the first all-electric from Ford. The company has targeted 18 major U.S. cities where hybrids have been in high demand and electric vehicle infrastructure is planned.
The hydrogen-powered Honda Clarity FCX and Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicles are being field tested.
Chevrolet will soon offer the Chevy Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle powered by E85, and Hyundai’s i-Blue hydrogen fuel cell/electric hybrid is expected to be in limited circulation for MY 2012.
Tesla’s 2012 all-electric Model S sedan, Porsche’s Cayenne hybrid, Bentley’s FFVs, plus Lexus and BMW hybrids are a clear indication that the market for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles promises continued expansion. Keep abreast of the light-duty vehicle market online at www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/search/light.