Most drivers could go electric within 10 years

ANN ARBOR?Electric and hybrid electric vehicles are in the fast lane to wider adoption, according to a new study by University of Michigan researchers. The researchers analyzed the present status of electric vehicles in the U.S., their life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions, and progress toward lifting barriers to broader acceptance. The study is a literature and technical review that synthesizes and analyzes recent findings from many sources. "We feel that within the next decade, electric vehicles are positioned to be more suitable for most drivers to use on a daily basis," said Brandon Schoettle, project manager at the U-M Transportation Research Institute. "That's due to recent improvements such as longer driving ranges, faster recharging times and lower vehicle prices." The report discussed recent advances for both types of plug-in electric vehicles: battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles rely on both electricity and gasoline. Battery electric vehicles run solely on electricity.