E-MAIL
Electric autos have garnered a lot of media attention in recent years. Some consumers might get the impression that gas-free vehicles will be ready to take global roads by storm in the next year or two. But according to a new report from Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC for short as below), production of all-electric vehicles will take another eight to ten years before reaching the level of today’s hybrid cars—and that’s with significant government subsidies and incentives.
In the year of 2010, nearly 800,000 hybrid gas-electric autos will be sold throughout the world. According to industry analysts, that number will exceed 1 million by 2011 or 2012. The PWC report acknowledges that electricity is cheaper than existing automotive fuels, but identifies vehicle purchase price as the highest hurdle. The report warns, "Only when pilot programs encouraged at the state level become more widespread, will the full market potential for pure electric vehicles be unlocked for the next automotive generation, otherwise electric vehicles are destined to remain niche."