Manufacturer supply

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are currently virtually unobtainable and electric cars are limited to small niche producers. The reason is a combination factors ranging from lack of customer demand, issues with battery technology and cost, to general inertia.

Customer demand is the key factor, this is determined largely by awareness, cost and practicality. Assuming the customer demand existed there is no reason why plug-in hybrid and electric cars could not be produced. The battery technology for plug-in hybrids already exists. Trials have shown that existing NiMH batteries are more than capable of powering a plug-in hybrid. Other battery types such Li Ion could also be used. Both, if manufactured in quantity, could be produced at a commercially acceptable cost, especially if the vehicles received government subsidies/tax breaks. Electric vehicles with sufficient range for normal driving can also be produced today, their range limitations addressed by car sharing schemes and ultimately fast charging points.

Manufacturer inertia is harder to crack. After decades of producing and refining vehicles powered by purely internal combustion engines, the adoption of plug-in hybrid and electric technology is difficult. Virtually all the major manufacturers are researching the area, despite issues with patents and licensing technology, and most, given the will, could produce plug-in and electric versions of their vehicles.

Crucially, manufacturers have to perceive that it is in their commercial interests to make the investments and take the risks associated with plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Here government has a major role, for not only can it reduce risk, it can provide regulatory assistance and ensure that other factors such as customer awareness and a charging point infrastructure are prepared.

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