About the Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles could make a major contribution to solving some of the energy and environmental problems that face both industrialized and developing countries. Rapid advances in battery and electronic technology during the past 10 years have made it possible to introduce both battery electric and hybrid vehicles on the market. Hybrid vehicles have now established themselves in the market in the sense that they are produced in large volumes and no longer require subsidies from governments or the manufacturers. Fuel cell vehicles are on the horizon, and in 5-10 years may form a third technology in which the wheels of a car are driven by an electric motor.

Governments and their citizens are interested in hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles because they can reduce or eliminate emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, and because they reduce the dependence of the transportation sector on oil. They are also more energy efficient and reduce a country's total energy consumption. In order to reap these benefits, the technology needs to be further improved, the costs need to be further reduced, and they need to succeed in the market. The ultimate aim is that consumers in large numbers will freely choose electrically driven cars in their dealers' showrooms because they will be more attractive than the alternatives. This ultimate aim is shared by a remarkably large number of people, governments, and industries all over the world.