In the first three months of 2012, U.S. sales of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs shot up 44 percent from the year-ago quarter, to 113,457. March sales of those vehicles were double those of January.
It was a breakout quarter for sales of vehicles with alternative powertrains, which had been rising at a much slower pace than expected despite waves of fresh entries.
The strong performance is a measure of validation for automakers that have persevered despite tepid demand for hybrids and criticism in political circles.
Hybrids accounted for the bulk of alternative powertrain sales -- 106,207, compared with 7,250 EVs and plug-in hybrids.
Source
Automotive News