Global demand for electric vehicles is expected to grow elevenfold over the next 15 years through 2035 in a rapid shift to zero-emission mobility, eclipsing that of hybrids as soon as next year to become the largest segment among battery-powered automobiles, according to a market research firm.

The market for vehicles fully powered by electricity is estimated to total 24.18 million autos worldwide by 2035, compared with 13.59 million gasoline-electric hybrids and 11.42 million plug-in hybrids projected for that year, Fuji Keizai Co. said in its recent forecast.

"EV is expected to become the mainstay electrified vehicle in the long term, as prices are falling and more (charging) infrastructure will be available," the research firm said, adding that EV demand is expected to top that of hybrids as early as 2022.