Technology necessary for purely electric car remains elusive

Amid all the talk of replacing fossil fuels, there has been considerable misinformation about electric vehicles and batteries.

Some think there is a conspiracy by the oil companies to trash the potential of electric cars. Others say it is the car companies in cahoots with the oil companies at work.
Governments, in response to public pressure, have awarded massive grants, tax breaks and subsidies to encourage the development of alternative energy sources. Some of the best minds on the planet have been working on the concept in research labs, universities and both big and small companies.

Despite all this effort, developing the technology necessary for a purely electric passenger vehicle remains elusive.

Hybrids, using a combination of internal combustion engine and battery power, are the closest thing to an electric vehicle at this stage and hydrogen fuel cells hold the most promise in the longer range.

Alternative fuel research and use is growing with bio-fuels already in use in some parts of the world.

GM produced a small fleet of electric cars in the late 1990s in response to a California law. The EV-1 was recalled when the legislation was later watered down – an action that resulted in many of the claims of collusion between car and oil companies.

The Globe and Mail (Canada)