Electric vehicles leading the charge: report

subscribe

The auto industry is in dire straits, particular in the U.S., where money is tight, huge debts still need to be serviced and auto sales continue to slide.

Chrysler and General Motors, which received nearly $18 billion from the Bush administration in 2008 and are asking for another $21 billion from the Obama administration, have had to pledge to make greener cars. One route they, and automakers worldwide, are pursuing is the development of new electric cars.

Electric vehicles have been around since the 19th century, but the advent of the electric starter in the early 20th century made internal combustion engines more convenient and safer.

Electric vehicles were sidelined for many years, until increasingly stringent fuel-economy and emission-restricting regulations pushed automakers to reconsider the simplicity of a battery-powered drivetrain. Today, electric vehicles range from simple Neighborhood Electric Vehicles to cars that look quite similar to standard models, and even electric delivery vans, trucks and buses.

Despite electric cars’ lengthy history, the market for them remains in its infancy. NextGen Research, in the report “The Market for Electric Vehicles: An Assessment of Plug-in Vehicles, Fuel Cell and Battery Technologies," observes that fewer than 10,000 electric vehicles of all types were sold worldwide in 2008. (In comparison, in January 2009, a “slow month,” more than 300,000 cars were sold in the U.S. alone).

NextGen Research foresees the global market for electric vehicles growing to a hefty 350,000 units by 2013.

Says Larry Fisher, research director of NextGen Research: “A number of developments are coming together to propel the market for electric vehicles. The fuel price spike in late 2007-early 2008 pushed automakers to intensify their R&D outside of standard internal combustion engines.

Ongoing battery development also has contributed, as new chemistries promise higher range per charge, which has been a major factor limiting electric cars. Finally, automakers are working with governments and utilities to plan out a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, which further extends the viable range of electric vehicles.”

Related News

volkswagen-german-plant-closures

Volkswagen's German Plant Closures

BERLIN - Volkswagen (VW), one of the world’s largest automakers, is undergoing a significant transformation with the announcement of plant closures in Germany. As reported by The Guardian, this strategic shift is part of VW’s broader move towards prioritizing electric vehicles (EVs) and adapting to the evolving automotive market. The decision highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation amid a rapidly changing industry landscape.

Strategic Plant Closures

Volkswagen’s decision to close several of its plants in Germany marks a pivotal moment in the company's history. These closures are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations, reduce costs, and…

READ MORE
renewable power fuel cell

New fuel cell could help fix the renewable energy storage problem

READ MORE

holiday scam warning

Ontario's five largest electricity providers join together to warn of holiday scams

READ MORE

solar

America Going Electric: Dollars And Sense

READ MORE

iran nuclear plant deal

Iran Says Deals to Rehabilitate, Develop Iraq Power Grid Finalized

READ MORE