Making it happen

Hybrid and electric vehicles are in commercial production, although at very low levels. Plug in hybrids are still at the developmental phase but likely to go into production the next few years. Much depends on three factors:

Consumer demand

Drivers need to be informed on the benefits of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. In particular, they must want to buy them!

Manufacturer supply

Manufacturers must produce the vehicles for people to buy. This requires a number of factors to be addressed including cost, technology, capacity and profit.

Government action

Government must "oil the wheels" with incentives for both consumers and manufacturers. It can have a major influence on the take up and given what is at stake should consider "an Apollo type" programme to promote the widespread adoption of plug-in vehicles.