As electrified lightening-bolt power continues its battle with internal combustion on the track (just look to the front grid of Le Mans and the podium of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for a few recent examples), the same is happening on the road. As you’ve no doubt heard, electric vehicles->ke1030 are exploding in popularity – but where, how, and in what sort of quantities? The answers to these questions and many more lie in this infographic.

It starts with annual plug-in electric vehicle (PEV)->ke4486 sales, which has seen a steep rise in the past few years, with a projection of 430,000 new models hitting the road by the end of 2015. 

The U.S. is the No.1 buyer of PEVs, gobbling up nearly 300,000, with Japan->ke138 following at 108,248 and China->ke2090 third with 83,198.

Popular models include the 2015 BYD Qin in China, the 2014 Chevy Volt in the U.S., and the 2014 Nissan Leaf in Japan. The Leaf->ke3484 is also quite popular stateside, and at over 60,000 units sold worldwide, it’s the best-selling EV in the world.

But what about range? The highest manufacturer-claimed all-electric driving distance goes to the 2015 Tesla Model S with 270 miles, followed by the 2015 Kia Soul EV and 2014 Fiat 500e. 

Of course, there’s plenty more info available here, so click the link to get the complete breakdown. That way, the next time you get into a discussion with your local ICE-lover, you’ll come prepared.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why it matters

All-electric and hybrid vehicles->ke147 have really come into their own the last decade or so. Once a novelty relegated to the eco-conscious, EVs are becoming true competitors in global auto sales. And despite a few false starts in the past, it looks like battery power is finally here to stay.

The infographic lists improved batteries, lighter materials, and more automation as the way forward for the EV, and I’d agree, especially with regards to lithium-ion technology. High cost, low range and long recharge times are part of what’s holding these cars back from even more widespread adoption, but with constant development, increased demand and streamlined production, those issues will become addressed over time.

The automation point is particularly interesting. Just like EVs 10 years ago, fully autonomous vehicles are undoubtedly on the way up, and once the tech sees further adoption, it could even help to alleviate the problems seen with developing battery tech.

Imagine a fleet of autonomous EVs, dispatched where they are needed with perfectly calculated routes, efficiently using all available electricity before returning to a charge point -- reducing costs, range anxiety and time spent waiting for a full charge.

Of course, hybrids will continue to be as popular as ever, and will do well to extend the life of the ICE for some time to come.

Is there anything that can slow down this EV takeover?