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.