The total number of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, which are being annually produced in the world, is close to 100,000 vehicles. Until recently, these were mainly compact city cars but after the automotive revolution, which was started by Tesla, the market started seeing electrified cars from various segments.

Tesla Motors, at the moment, being the company, which not only managed to turn the idea of an electric car to reality but also has done it incredibly well, produces the best electric vehicles in such niches:

- Luxury sedans (Tesla Model S);

- Family SUVs (Tesla Model X).

- and now they are planning to get a good share of "affordable EV" segment by releasing a Tesla 3 (the most affordable electric car with a decent amount of range and great performance characteristics).

We, as car dealers, should pay close attention to Tesla’s intentions in the next years but also keep in mind that there are other manufactures, who want to release their electrified cars, especially in niches, where there is no competition.

Although possible directions of the development of EV market are subject to various speculations, there are great concepts that show us, which electric vehicles will be favored by general public in the nearest future:

- the popularity of such plug-in hybrid SUVs or crossovers, as Volvo XC90 T8, Mercedes GLE 500e and Audi Q7 e-tron Quattro show that there is a possible demand for fully electric SUVs or crossovers, at least in Europe;

- all-electric sports cars, such as Rimac Concept One, SLS AMG Electric Drive and Audi r8 e-tron, prove that there is room for electrified cars even in such highly-competitive niche. But the only problem now is the driving range.

- electric city transport: EVs are usually considered to be small city cars or compact sports cars. But Nissan e-NV200 proved that there is a possible demand for bigger electric-only cars. This van proved to be a hit with small business owners and taxi drivers in Netherlands, who used the government eco-support program.

This was just a quick post that I wanted to write for a long time. But the real question is, as a car dealer, do you believe in the future of electric cars and which models would you risk selling, if you had a chance.

Credits:

1) Hottest New SUVs and Hybrid Crossovers with Best Fuel Economy: http://www.presentingfacts.com/2016/01/hottest-new-suvs-and-hybrid-crossovers.html

2) How Businesses In Netherlands Can Buy Nissan e-NV200 For 25% of MSRP: http://insideevs.com/how-businesses-in-netherlands-can-buy-nissan-e-nv200-for-25-of-msrp/