SHANGHAI CAR SHOW SAYS DRIVERS MUST CHANGE

Biggest challenge facing electric car is changing driver behaviour
April 22, 2009 (UK Independent)

"…While most experts agree electric motoring will be a key element of future transport, some suggest a far tougher task will be for governments to change the travel patterns and habits of people which are badly needed to reduce carbon emissions and cut the cost of travel…[A] report from the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) that is based on 500 international studies, says the biggest longterm impact on the environment would be achieved through altering our personal travel patterns so that fewer trips relied on the car.

"The electrification of cars and altered behaviour would be most effective when combined with less popular measures such as parking restrictions and higher road and fuel prices."

BYD previewed a new EV concept at the Shanghai show. Will it make it in the marketplace? It all depends on the car-buying public. (click to enlarge)

"Experts warn that without managing travel patterns, it will be difficult to meet the technological challenges involved in the electrification process, including how the power is generated at the scale and pace required…

"…Shanghai Auto Show executives have pointed out that electric car technology is still in its infancy and that improvements will be significant over the coming years."

GM previewed the 2011 Volt at Shanghai. 2011? It all depends on the car-buying public. (click to enlarge)

"Chinese companies, such as BYD, have been praised for developing advanced batteries that could power a revolution in motoring. BYD, a former battery maker, was the first company in the world to start selling a heavily-electrified hybrid car last December…

"The Chinese government has also committed to funding new technologies, such as BYD's ironphosphate- based lithium ion batteries, with €1bn of research subsidies…"