Plug-in Vehicle Charger Market to Reach $11.75 Billion by 2015

April 21, 2010
Plug-in vehicles are poised to hit the consumer market at the end of 2010 and will achieve widespread distribution in 2011

Plug-in vehicles are poised to hit the consumer market at the end of 2010 and will achieve widespread distribution in 2011. But will drivers of these vehicles, which need to be plugged into the electrical grid to recharge, find themselves running on empty when it comes to finding a robust charging infrastructure? The answer is a resounding “maybe.”

A new market study from Oyster Bay, N.Y.-based ABI Research, “Plug-in Vehicle Infrastructures,” projects a fast-growing market for charging station infrastructure, with worldwide revenues reaching $11.75 billion for the installation of 3 million charging stations by 2015, up from approximately 20,000 stations installed in 2010.

The United States leads this market, given the country’s strong purchasing power for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs), and the willingness of public and private entities to invest in infrastructure build-out projects. ABI Research projects the United States will represent a little more than half (54%) of the world market of installed charging stations by 2015, followed by China (23%), which will have as many charging stations as the rest of the world (23%).

Research director Larry Fisher says, “Infrastructure supporting EVs and PHEVs is on the cusp of a rapid and sustained growth curve. The charging infrastructure technology is here. We’re just waiting for the release of these vehicles into the market. Given the limited range per charge, however, early adopters will need to keep their journeys relatively short.”

Fisher notes that significant funding and tax credits from governments around the world are likely to help jump-start the adoption of plug-in vehicles and related infrastructure projects, but the market’s ultimate success will be determined by consumers choosing to drive low- and zero-emission vehicles.

Source: ABI Research

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.