The strategic role of electric vehicles

Journal Article · · Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States)

OSTI ID:7284388

Balzhiser, R E ^[1]; Bryson, J E ^[2]

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1. Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA (United States)
2. Southern California Edison Company, Rosemead, CA (United States)

Electric vehicles could become one of the hottest items in the international marketplace within the next five years, say two electric-utility officials. Richard E. Balzhiser, president of the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto, California, and John E. Bryson, chief executive officer of Southern California Edison Company in Rosemead, California, say the opportunity is there. They strongly urge the electric utility industry to join with policy makers, urban planners, and environmentalists in seizing this historic opportunity: [open quotes]Electric transportation is the preferred mode for the future, not only for its direct environmental advantages but also for its broader value to the economy and national security,[close quotes] they claim. Acknowledging that the limitation of present batteries is the biggest technological handicap to widespread use of electric vehicles, they predict significant improvements over the next few years, thanks in part to the newly formed U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium. Government support will be vital in successfully launching a vital and self-sustaining electric-vehicle market, they say. But such support, they add, is fully justified.

• OSTI ID: 7284388
• Journal Information: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States), Vol. 9:1; ISSN 0887-8218
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
VEHICLES
330300* - Advanced Propulsion Systems- Electric-Powered Systems
290500 - Energy Planning & Policy- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization