Here in Europe, we like to think that we’re fairly progressive in establishing greener transport solutions. Likewise in Asia, Japan is well known for developing the latest future-proof products and breaking in new automotive technologies, while China has been busily producing its own small-scale electric vehicles for some time now.
But according to the Financial Times today, that pails in comparison with what the US can offer. A new report by global consultancy firm, McKinsey, as reported in the newspaper, finds that it is our friends across the ocean which will lead the world in the electric car revolution.
A new electric-vehicle index compiled by the firm puts the US ahead of France, Germany and other western European countries in establishing production and retail of electric cars. Meanwhile China is tied with Germany in third place.
The index uses nine variables that will influence investment in electric-vehicle production and consumer acceptance of the new technology. It will be updated quarterly.
Despite support for electric vehicles in countries such as the UK-where grants worth up to £5,000 will be given to electric car buyers from January 2011-Europe has not committed a level of investment in electric cars on the same scale as the US. According to the Financial Times, the US is the only country that has provided large-scale financial support to the electric car industry.
US consumers will be able to qualify for tax credits ranging worth $2,500-$7,500 for buying electric vehicles as part of a $25bn package of grants and loans designed to encourage advanced vehicle technology. In addition, President Obama earmarked $2.4bn for grants to battery and other electric-vehicle component manufacturers.
While Asian manufacturers got a head start in the production of electric vehicles, with Japanese firm Nissan set to sell the ‘world’s first mass-produced affordable electric car’ from later this year in the US, the US itself has been supportive of a blossoming industry. In addition, US carmakers recovering from a global downturn in car sales in 2008, have been making up for lost time, preparing their own electric car offerings. Ford is set to produce electric vehicles by the end of 2013, including a Transit Connect electric vehicle and a Ford Focus Electric.
