Canadiandriver.com assistant editor Jil McIntosh pointed out that hybrid models such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight are available on today's market, but claimed that improvements in batteries need to be made before the electric car can advance.
'Energy storage technology hasn't kept pace [with vehicles] and a major hurdle has been in developing a battery that's lighter-weight, longer-range and not prohibitively expensive,' she explained.
Ms McIntosh also wrote that plug-in electric hybrids, which can be charged from a wall outlet, could be one of the next eco-friendly cars to become easily available. Vehicles which only run on batteries such as the Nissan Leaf could become increasingly popular with city dwellers, she added.
The reporter added the short-term popularity of electric cars will depend on drivers' desire to help the environment, while infrastructure for charging and refuelling need to be rolled out across the nation for success in the long run.
Earlier this week, Toyota revealed that UK sales of the Prius reached 538 units last month, beating the previous February high of 237 in 2008.
'Energy storage technology hasn't kept pace [with vehicles] and a major hurdle has been in developing a battery that's lighter-weight, longer-range and not prohibitively expensive,' she explained.
Ms McIntosh also wrote that plug-in electric hybrids, which can be charged from a wall outlet, could be one of the next eco-friendly cars to become easily available. Vehicles which only run on batteries such as the Nissan Leaf could become increasingly popular with city dwellers, she added.
The reporter added the short-term popularity of electric cars will depend on drivers' desire to help the environment, while infrastructure for charging and refuelling need to be rolled out across the nation for success in the long run.
Earlier this week, Toyota revealed that UK sales of the Prius reached 538 units last month, beating the previous February high of 237 in 2008.
