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U.S. Demand for EVs Rose in 2014
Analysts have been saying that low fuel prices are hurting sales of electric vehicles in the U.S.
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Analysts have been saying that low fuel prices are hurting sales of electric vehicles in the U.S. But that wasn't so in 2014, the Detroit Free Press points out.
2016 Chevy Volt concept
The newspaper cites data showing that U.S. demand for all-electric cars surged 31% to 55,900 units in January-November 2014. Sales of plug-in hybrids climbed 17% to 51,500 vehicles over the same period.
But LMC Automotive insists to Automotive News that EV sales will dip slightly in 2015 to 60,000 units from an estimated 61,000 last year. The reason: Carmakers will shift their EV focus to California, which has mandated a 3% sales ratio for electrics, and reduce efforts to promote demand for such vehicles in other American markets.
Longer term, LMC and many other analysts agree, America's 2025 fuel economy requirements are forcing manufacturers to continue investing in EVs and promoting their sale regardless of demand.
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