All new cars will be hybrids by 2020

IBM’s Institute for Business Value has interviewed 125 anonymous car industry executives from 15 countries and has come to the conclusion, among several conclusions, that by 2020, all new cars will be hybrids.

The report, Automotive 2020: Clarity Beyond the Chaos, underlines insiders’ views that the auto industry is making some rapid, fundamental changes and hybrids are included in that change.

The report also highlights the growth in cellulosic ethanol, that average CO2 emissions for vehicles will dip to 97 g/km (lower than the Prius), and that hydrogen, despite all the crowing of advocates, will decidedly not be a major player in 2020.

Can we believe it? Every new car a hybrid? In 12 years? Well, looking at the rate we’re going on improving hybrid cars, and looking at the fluster surrounding the oil industry, the flagging economy, the growing awareness of climate change, as well as green trendiness, among consumers…yes, I have to say it is a distinct possibility. Twelve years is a long time in car years. Battery technology is improving, biofuel technology is growing, and consumers’ mindsets are shifting. So, yep, I have to say I definitely am willing to entertain the notion.

I think it’ll take a whole lot longer than 12 years to get all the gas-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs off the roads; but as for new cars on the lots, I’m optimistic they’ll all be hybrids of one form or another.

The whole report is well worth a solid read-through, but you can skip to page 8 for the specific info about hybrid production.

Via gas2; Photo via wildtexas