"A new study suggests that the state of California will likely become the largest U.S. market for new plug-in and electric vehicles. Currently, California accounts for more sales of these clean vehicles than the five next largest states put together.
According to a study conducted by the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, the demand for plug-in and electric vehicles will follow a similar pattern to hybrid car sales.
The top markets for electric and plug-in vehicles tend to be the more populous states. California also leads in density of hybrid owners, by having more than 50 per 10,000 residents where as states like Texas and Michigan have fewer than 26 per 10,000.
Nissan Motor Co. and General Motors Co. are ramping up production of the Volt and Leaf, respectively while Ford Motor Co. is slated to introduce an electric Focus before 2011 ends.
“California is an initial launch state for the Volt, Leaf and Focus Electric — likely due to its position as the largest automobile market in the United States, as well as its relatively high penetration of hybrids, and regulatory environment conducive to electric vehicle adoption,” the study said.
Fuel-cell vehicles, which are currently leased in small numbers, are also expected to increase in the coming years.
Combined U.S. sales of electric, plug-in and fuel-cell vehicles are estimated to almost double from 77,000 in 2012 to 140,000 in 2015. Industry experts also say that by that time, the number of electrics and plug-ins on U.S. roads will reach close to 500,000.
The main factors that keep slowing down the demand for these vehicles are tax incentives, the provision of priority parking spaces and the installation of charging outlets.
For now, Florida, Maryland, New York, Utah, Colorado, Massachusetts, and California are the states that offer the biggest selection of incentives."
Em: http://nissan-leaf.net/2011/02/21/calif ... -vehicles/