Plug-In Electrics Posting Big Sales Gains in U.S.

Wider choices, new models from mainstream automakers, more charging options, lower prices and sales incentives are helping boost demand for plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles in the U.S., notes the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The group's updated Plug-In Cars Connecting with Consumers report points out that EV sales in the U.S. this year surpassed 59,000 units through August, more than the total for all of 2012. The UCS also notes that demand for EVs in California EV has more than doubled this year and represent 29% of U.S. plug-in sales.

Some 140,000 EVs have joined the U.S. auto fleet since 2010, resulting in the country saving about 40 million gallons of gasoline per year, according to the group.

The report also notes that sales of the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt hit an all-time high in August since their introduction in 2010, and more than 20,000 plug-in Toyota Priuses have been sold in less than two years on the market. Relative newcomer Tesla Motors Inc. has sold more than 10,000 cars so far this year.

The UCS predicts strong sales growth ahead because of new plug-ins from Ford, Honda and Toyota and upcoming EVs from BMW, Cadillac and Volkswagen.