Transitioning the fleet from predominately one of being 'liquid fuel' based to one of all electric is a technological, political, and economic challenge.

It is no secret – we are a petroleum hungry country.  In 2007, automobiles in the United States consumed 9.3 million barrels of gasoline per day.  At $3.00 per gallon, that is over one billion dollars per day. Furthermore, the related pollution has created smog, contaminated our air, and contributed to global warming. There are over 250 million registered cars on the road in the United States; and on average, over 16 million additional automobiles are sold each year.  The strain on the environment and economy is a difficult situation at best and one that only continues to get worse.

Current automobiles are very inefficient, wasting over 75% of the potential energy for every gallon of gasoline burned. That means only one quart of every gallon of gas is effectively converted to the power required to propel the vehicle.  The rest is discharged as heat from the radiator and exhaust – wasted energy, wasted fuel, lost natural resources. 

There is strong support for alternative fuels from many sectors.  However, while reducing dependency on imported oil, additional fuel options will not reduce overall fuel consumption and may even increase CO2 emissions.  Alternative sources for generation of electricity are also being pursued but will take over a decade to achieve significant production.  There is a long transition ahead for the automotive industry and associated support updates to achieve an electric powered vehicle; a transition that is estimated will require from 7 to 15 years to even start to gain traction because of significant technological barriers and infrastructure requirements.  In the meantime, the need for more efficient conventional vehicles continues to grow as this will be the base for transportation for at least the next generation.

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(1)  Energy Information Administration, Official Energy Statistics from the U.S.Government, April 2009. http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/

(2)  Motor Intelligence, Powered by Autodata Corporation, April 4, 2009. http://www.motorintelligence.com/

(3)  United States Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, March 2009. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/