BOULDER, CO – An increasing number of fleet managers are utilizing hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) as a solution, with hybrid fleet sales expected to surpass 830,000 vehicles in 2015, according to a new study from Pike Research. Next generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will represent 21 percent of total hybrid fleet sales that same year.

In 2008, hybrid fleet sales totaled 280,000 vehicles.  

Pike Research anticipates that the government, university, and utility sectors will be among the most ardent early adopters of commercial hybrids. Fleets with a mix of cars and trucks, such as municipal governments, will take a particularly strong interest. Key companies to watch in this fast-developing sector include A123 Systems, Eaton Corporation, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, ISE Corporation, Johnson Controls-Saft, LG Chem, Panasonic, and Toyota.

Pike Research's study, "Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Fleet Markets", analyzes the opportunities and challenges for HEVs and PHEVs in fleet markets around the world, including light cars and trucks as well as the medium/heavy duty truck segments. The study examines global growth drivers and business case considerations for fleet managers, and includes detailed 7-year market forecasts as well as profiles for key industry players. An executive summary of the report is available for free download at www.pikeresearch.com.