5 July 2011: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released an updated version of its “Technology Roadmaps – Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EV/PHEV)” report, which indicates that forecasted manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles is behind national targets.

Lew Fulton, Senior Transport Analyst at IEA, explains that together, auto producers have announced a combined forecast of 0.9 million units by 2015 and 1.4 million annually by 2020, which is lower than the combined national targets of 1.5 million per annum by 2015 and 7 million units per annum by 2010.

The Roadmap’s vision is “ to achieve by 2050 the widespread adoption and use of EVs and PHEVs, which together represent more than 50% of annual LDV (light duty vehicle) sales worldwide.” In order to accomplish this, it notes a number of key objectives that must be reached, including that countries should: work with industry to create realistic but inspired targets and milestones; coordinate strategies to support market introduction of electric-drive vehicles; improve industry understanding of consumer needs and behaviors; develop performance metrics for characterizing vehicles; foster energy storage research to reduce costs and address resource-related issues; develop and implement recharging infrastructure; and use a comprehensive mix of policies that provide a clear framework and balance stakeholder interests. [Publication: Technology Roadmap – Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles] [Executive Summary]