What was once considered a trendy hipster mentality is slowing down, seeing some traction in today's automotive market, and is poised to become a viable option in a very near future. The electric vehicle (EV) has increased sales every year for the past few years. While the pure electric vehicle is still seen as an exception by most car buyers, it still shows signs of promise. Additionally, the electric vehicle's more compromising sibling, the hybrid, is seeing advances in sales and technology that will only strengthen the case for purchasing a true plug-in vehicle in the future. Key factors such as infrastructure awareness, energy system advances, and utility companies recognizing their role to play still need to evolve to help this growing market. Power Spikes: The Growing Electric Vehicle Market When talking about the electric vehicle market, it is first necessary to define the term so that there can be some common understanding and continuity. While there are several types of electric vehicles, the two that this article will focus on are plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). According to the United States Department of Energy (n.d.) an electric vehicle is a vehicle that uses no other fuel source to power it except stored electrical energy provided by an electric power source. Dan Edmunds (2013) describes an HEV as a vehicle with multiple power sources, often including a traditional gas engine and fuel tank, along with a secondary electric motor. The duration of this research will focus on PEVs. Every year new PEV options are launched to tempt the American consumer. From small and practical to sporty and exotic, almost every major automaker has something to offer. John Voelcker (2014) proposes that even if you think about 2012 sales… half of the paper… tmlEdmunds, D. (2013, October 17). What are hybrid cars and how do they work? on Edmunds.com. Edmunds. Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/what-is-a-hybrid-car-how-do-hybrids-work.htmlMotavalli, J. (2013, December 27). Tesla leads the way as electric car sales double in 2013. The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2022546290_electriccaryearxml.htmlParpis, E. (2009, October 5). Sell ​​the electric car. Announcement week. Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/selling-electric-car-106482?page=1Voelcker, J. (2014, January 6). FINAL UPDATE: Plug-in electric car sales for 2013 have nearly doubled from the previous year. Green car reports. Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1089443_plug-in-electric-car-sales-for-2013-almost-double-last-years