Europe ahead of U.S. on electric cars - by Martin LaMonica
Cash-strapped U.S. auto companies are pushing into plug-in electric cars with the first models from General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford, starting in two years. But the overall environment for introducing electric cars is better in Europe, according to Kanode. "In Europe, the determination is absolute," he said. "They have had high energy costs our whole lifetime. Second, they want to decrease their reliance on foreign oil...And third, they are absolutely committed to improving their carbon footprint, both the public and the governments." He said there are already a number of hybrid electric vehicles coming to market in the form of fleets of buses and delivery trucks.
Both BMW and Mercedes are said to be developing all-electric cars. Last month, Mini unveiled the Electric Mini, which it started testing. General Motors, with its Chevy Volt, and Fisker Automotive have chosen gas-electric designs to ensure that cars have a longer driving range. Because of battery limitations, an all-electric car priced like a typical family sedan will have a shorter range.
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