Hybrid Sales in Europe Expected to Triple in 3 Years

Demand for hybrid-powered cars in Europe will triple in three years to more than 750,000 units as carmakers rush to met eurozone limits for carbon dioxide emissions that take effect in 2020, according to LMC Automotive data reported by Automotive News Europe.

LMC says demand for nontraditional powertrains climbed 22% to 280,000 vehicles in 2015, aided by government incentives. LMC alliance partner JATO Dynamics says about one-third of last year's total was plug-in hybrids, whose larger batteries enable them to travel about 50 km (30 miles) on electric power alone.

Europe’s largest market for plug-ins last year was the Netherlands, where sales reached 37,000 units, JATO says. The Dutch government offered buyers annual tax breaks worth as much as €7,000 ($7,800) in 2015.

LMC predicts a shift in Europe away from diesels will bolster interest in hybrid powertrains, including lower-cost mild and micro hybrids. These mini-hybrids use smaller batteries and less powerful electric motors. They can help accelerate a vehicle from rest but typically can't power it during cruising conditions.

LMC says the introduction of 48-volt electrical systems will enhance the performance of mini-hybrids. It predicts sales of such systems in Europe will zoom to 275,000 units by 2018 from only 11,500 in 2015.