We may be famous for our hybrid electric technology, but we know that petrol-electric hybrids are not the only solution we can use to help deliver better, more energy-efficient transport. We have also been developing battery electric vehicle technology as part of our future mobility roadmap. We believe battery electric vehicles are a great way to improve mobility and reduce pollution in urban areas. To maximise their potential, we need to encourage large numbers of people to adopt them, so we will be launching more than 10 battery electric vehicle models by the early 2020s. Our first target market will be China, after which we expect to roll them out to customers in Japan, India, the United States and Europe.
Our battery electric vehicles will help to sell more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles each year by around 2030.
Where our hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles are ideal for longer journeys, battery electric vehicles are best suited to short, low-speed journeys in towns and cities. Compact, zero-emissions vehicles powered by batteries that are quick to recharge can improve air quality and ease traffic congestion. They are quiet, easy to drive and have low running costs, making them perfect for commuting journeys or as delivery vehicles.
