Electric vehicle technology, which dates back to the dawn of the horseless carriage, is fast becoming a viable alternative to gas-fueled vehicles. Consumers, business owners and lawmakers are eager to find ways of reducing fossil fuel emissions without sacrificing necessary transportation. Americans are also wary of volatile gasoline prices and the country's dependence on foreign oil, and emissions regulations are becoming tougher.

As a result, the next three years will see a sharp increase in the number of electric vehicles available on the mass market. Automakers in the United States and overseas are scrambling to develop better electric models, and to improve the lifespan and safety of electric vehicle batteries. To date, Asian battery manufacturers have outpaced the American industry. Recently, the electric vehicle industry has made a decisive shift away from current nickel metal hydride batteries to lithium ion batteries, which can hold a charge longer and be recharged several times over the course of their lifecycle. But concerns about overheating mean manufacturers must proceed carefully with lithium ion development.

There are several different types of electric vehicles, even today. It is expected that the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and the battery electric vehicle (BEV) will come to dominate the market. While these vehicles offer the potential for astonishing fuel savings and reduced emissions, many logistical challenges lie ahead. Among them is the feasibility of charging and recharging batteries, since public vehicle recharging stations remain scarce. Urban consumers and business owners who rely on street parking may not have access to a private garage for overnight charging. And despite ongoing technical improvements, electric vehicles are limited in how many miles they can go before needing a charge.