The sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have skyrocketed in the face of soaring gas prices. More and more consumers are placing more value not having to fill up at the pump, opting instead to plug in. Comparing Q1 and Q2 of 2013 to their 2012 counterparts, electric car sales have more than doubled, and 36% of all EVs on the road have been purchased within the past 6 months – perhaps a sign of the technology maturing.
The Nissan Leaf, for example, has seen its sales quadruple since FY2012, and dealerships can barely keep up with demand.
EVs are selling faster in their first 30 months than hybrid cars when they debuted in 1999. With a total of 13 available models, continually decreasing battery prices, and new innovative monitoring tools like eGallon – EV sales are expected to continue on strong terms.
"Consumers have a visceral connection to the price of gasoline," noted Patrick Davis, Director of Vehicle Technology for the Department of Energy. "They are very sensitive and highly aware of it. Yet there was no similar metric that could help them appreciate the difference with an electric vehicle, and eGallon does help consumers who are interested, because in the decision process [of buying a car] they have that comparative."
