A century ago, more automobiles were powered by electricity than by gasoline.

[MindMover]

But the need for longer travel ranges, the availability of a more affordable fuel source and a reliable power infrastructure soon turned internal combustion engines into the predominant means of motor transportation.

Now drivers are considering a move away from gasoline and back to electricity as an ideal source for automotive power, but big challenges remain. IBM and partners are working on solving one of the biggest barriers to widespread electric vehicle adoption: limited battery range.

An antidote to 'range anxiety'

Most people consider switching to electric vehicles to save money on gas and contribute to a healthier environment. But “range anxiety,” the fear of being stranded with no power, was cited by 64 percent of consumers as a main detractor to buying an electric vehicle.

http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/us/en/smart_grid/article/battery500.html

[Scootaloo]

1. It's not as much a problem with the design of the batteries...

As with the horrifyingly inefficient design of most of the US's cities and suburbs.

[Sherman A1]

2. I would love one and perhaps the next car will be an electric

just not in the market at this point to replace either car in the family. But that time will come.

[DreWId]

3. Long-Distance Drivers

I frequently drive long distances in my car for work so any hybrid or electric vehicle needs to be able to handle hundreds of miles of driving (600+ one way).

I remember reading a post on the DailyKos a few years ago about saline battery technology that would create a battery that would outlast the actual car/engine. They were not looking at the automobile industry for these batteries, but instead want to use them for industrial uses.

[cbrer]

4. Ford and Deisel never intended

For their inventions to run on gasoline. It took some clever maneuvering to get Standard Oil in the fuel business...

[tinrobot]

5. It's not so much range anxiety, it's charge anxiety.

I have an electric car. It's great and yes, more range would help, but the multi-hour charge time is the biggest barrier.

When you can charge the car in less than 30 minutes, then you have a workable equation. Tesla is very much on the right track with fast charging, hope they continue to innovate.