Our electric automotive future: CO2 savings through a disruptive technology

Abstract

The transition from oil to electricity for personal transportation is underway with virtually every automaker now seeking to produce an electrical automobile, of some form, under its brand. The pace of this transition, however, is dependent upon both technical and institutional changes. Electricity has the opportunity to play both a disruptive role in transportation and a transformational role in renewable energy, to the benefit of moderating climate change. In transportation, electricity can be both a cleaner and cheaper fuel than petroleum. Moreover, automobile batteries can play a pivotal role in enhancing the use of renewable energies in our daily lives. Development of the full potential of this transformation awaits the formulation of an innovative and clever business plan or value package that integrates the automobile industry with a changing electricity sector.