The imminent launch of 100 new models, favourable incentives and sufficient battery capacity for daily driving ranges are among the reasons why plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are ready for transformational growth, says consultants Frost & Sullivan.

However, it says the phasing out of electric vehicle (EV) incentives, advent of long-range battery electric vehicles (BEVs), emergence of 48V mild hybrids, and the complexity of having two powertrains in a single vehicle may impede PHEV adoption.

Pooja Bethi, intelligent mobility research analyst at Frost & Sullivan, said: "The stringent emission norms of 95g/km of CO2 can be met only by PHEV technology while EV battery technology evolves to overcome limitations.

"PHEVs have a better market than BEVs due to uncertainty in charging infrastructure.

“Owing to their ability to provide internal combustion engines and EV advantages, the PHEV market is set for high demand and growth.”

The research - Global Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Market, Forecast to 2025 - forms part of Frost & Sullivan’s Mobility: Automotive & Transportation growth partnership service programme.

This finds that the global PHEV market is estimated to reach about 3.7 million units by 2025 with 4.8 million light vehicles in an optimistic scenario and 2.9 million light vehicles in a conservative scenario.

Dedicated EV platforms like the Volkswagen (VW) MQB, Mercedes-Benz EVA, and BMW FSAR are major drivers, pushing PHEV growth. Other key developments include:

• High-performance models such as Maserati Levante, Bentley Bentayga, and BMW M3 will have PHEV versions by 2025.
• Global OEMs, led by Europe, have a strong PHEV strategy to meet regulatory changes and compliance mandates. VW Group is forecast to produce about 470,000 units by 2025.
• China and Europe will likely lead the market, accounting for 39.8 per cent and 30.6 per cent of the total PHEV market, respectively.
• By 2025, the C-Compact PHEV segment will be the largest, with over 35 new launches, followed by sports utility vehicles (SUV).
• Newer battery innovations may see a wider application. A strongly developed supply chain will play a crucial role in minimising the cost impact on EVs.

Bethi added: “Improvements in battery chemistries and energy density will boost the electric-only range of PHEVs, while fast-charging stations will help reduce charging times drastically."