I suspect he is wrong. Think about it. How many people are driving cars that are over 15 years old right now? A lot of people, because they cannot afford a newer model. Now ask yourself, is the number of electric cars in existence right now enough to provide those people with affordable used models 15 years into the future? No. Electric cars will not completely replace gas/diesel models for many, many years.
Richard Branson: 'In 15 years, I suspect every car on the road will be electric'
Reading the article, he is saying "IF" the gov't make mandates. The same will apply to Fuel Cells. And more likely because it is the only replacement to fossil fuel. Diesel trains, trucking and boats probably account for 40% of fossil fuel consumption. Batteries are just a band-aid. Richard Branson is a risk taker, he has made many mistakes. Some say his losses have been in the billions. He is trying to promote his formula E race cars. In fact he is already backing off his 2015 prediction that it will surpass Formula one by 2020. I mean really, people like to hear the screaming engines and the music of velocity stacks. What was he thinking. Image going to a see a nascar race with electrics. I am sure the promoters would just love it. All of these guys make mistakes. Look at Elon Musk, he was entertaining the idea of swapping out batteries. Unbelievable. But Branson's skill is to learn from his mistakes. In other words he learns from the rearview mirror.