BOULDER, Colo. — Automakers are on the verge of mass-marketing plug-in electric vehicles worldwide, including both plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) as well as battery electric vehicles (BEVs). These vehicles offer improved fuel economy, lower emissions, and a quieter ride than comparable traditionally powered internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with several key variations in driving range capabilities.

According to a new report from Pike Research, worldwide adoption of PHEVs and BEVs will grow quickly over the next five years, with sales totaling 3.2 million vehicles between 2010 and 2015 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 106 percent.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.

“PHEVs and BEVs will complement, rather than displacing, the market for conventional hybrid electric vehicles,” said Pike Research Senior Analyst Dave Hurst. “Electric vehicles will follow the lead of hybrids and will be launched in the small car segment for consumer markets initially, with the small SUV segment close behind. Because of their low weight and good aerodynamics, smaller vehicles are far more efficient to better extend the electrically powered driving range, and the smaller vehicle segments also allow the use of a smaller, less expensive battery.”

Hurst adds that China will be the largest market for electric vehicles, with more than 888,000 PHEVs and BEVs sold by 2015, representing 27 percent of worldwide sales. He forecasts that the United States will be close behind with 841,000 vehicles sold, or 26 percent of the global market.

Pike Research’s report, “Plug-in Electric Vehicles,” analyzes opportunities and challenges in the emerging market for PHEVs and BEVs. The report provides a comprehensive examination of electric drivetrain and battery technology, advanced battery research, government incentives and regulations, and key drivers of market growth. The study includes detailed lists of expected vehicles coming soon, forecasts through 2015 for light duty vehicle sales and production, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles in world regions, as well as vehicle segments and selected manufacturers for the United States. Key market players are also profiled. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.