SANTA MONICA, Calif. -

With some 43 new alternative-fuel vehicles expected to hit the U.S. market by 2015, according to new information from Edmunds.com, Auto Remarketing sought projections on how these vehicles will impact the used-car side of the market.

On Thursday, Edmunds released its projections regarding plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, diesel and fuel-cell electric vehicles, saying the surge of upcoming new models will result in an increase in market share from the current rate of nearly 3 percent, to almost 5 percent by 2015.

For the used-car side, Joe Spina, director of remarketing for Edmunds, said it’s not unrealistic for dealers to expect about half of that projected 5 percent market share of alt-fuels to appear in the used market by 2015. The bulk of these, he said, will likely be gas-electric hybrids selling through various used channels.

Many alt-fuel vehicles, especially those with cutting-edge technology like fuel-cell electric, will be leased rather than sold due to consumer concerns about reliability and long-term risk, as well as high vehicle prices, Spina explained. Also, he said alt-fuel vehicles are generally produced in limited quantities.

For dealers, Spina pointed out that some hybrids, such as the popular Toyota Prius, have been on the road — and in the resale market — for years, while newer models are well-tested before reaching consumers.

This proven performance can help dealers relieve customer concerns, and longstanding new-car warranties on hybrids could carry over to the customer who buys the vehicle as pre-owned.

Meanwhile, back on the new side of alt-fuels, Edmunds' Green Car editor John O’Dell said, “One of the reasons these vehicles haven’t quite taken off yet is that there just aren’t enough choices that appeal to shoppers. But the competitive landscape promises to expand significantly over the next few years, and it’s likely that a vehicle with some type of electric drive or alternative fuel will wind up on your consideration list the next time you shop for a new vehicle.”

Edmunds noted that Chevrolet and Ford are expected to introduce the most new “alt-drive” vehicles through the 2015 model year, at four apiece, including the popular Chevy Cruze model, which will be introduced as a diesel version in 2013 and as a plug-in electric hybrid in 2014.

Ford will offer its C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid models by the end of this year, and the Fusion Energi will be available early next year, Edmunds.com reported.

Other alternative vehicles expected to hit the market in the next few years include:

—The 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV, which combines the body and interior of the RAV crossover with the battery and electric motor system found in the new Tesla Model S sedan.

—The 2013 BMW i3, a battery-powered, four-passenger subcompact EV with a lithium-ion battery pack offering a range of nearly 93 miles.

—The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, the OEM’s first, arriving late in 2012 and boasting a 150-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, a 27-hp electric motor that draws power from a 1.1 kWh lithium battery and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

—The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, arriving early in 2014, and featuring an all-wheel-drive system powered by electric motors, plus a gasoline engine delivering several hundred miles of range.

—The 2015 Tesla Midsize Car, aimed at the mainstream, midsize family-car market. The carmaker is discussing a multiple-model lineup, including a sedan and a crossover, Edmunds.com said.