Electric cars new hope for ailing motor industry  

The 7:30 report has an episode on the new generation of electric cars being touted at the Frankfurt Motor Show and by companies like Better Place - Electric cars new hope for ailing motor industry (via Convenient Solutions).

ALI MOORE, PRESENTER: After one of the toughest years in its history, the global motor industry is pinning its hopes on a new generation of electric cars to get back in the black. An unprecedented range of all electric models will be unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, which starts tonight. Next year, Mitsubishi launch the first mass-produced electric vehicle in Australia, and the ACT is already expanding its electricity grid to accommodate the recharging of electric cars. But it's not just the big names trying to get a share of the action. Thea Dikeos reports.

EVAN THORNLEY, BETTER PLACE AUSTRALIA: I think the electric vehicle is going to be the biggest industrial transformation of our generation.

ROBERT MCENIRY, MITSUBISHI MOTORS AUSTRALIA: The global demand is quite extraordinary. The speed with which the interest in electric vehicles has accelerated is quite interesting and really quite staggering.

THEA DIKEOS, REPORTER: The technology has been touted for decades, but now, with fears of climate change and the skyrocketing price of oil driving consumer demand, big carmakers are finally embracing the electric alternative.

EVAN THORNLEY: I think if you look at where all the major car manufacturers are going, that's clear; if you look at the position of the Obama administration in the US, if you look at the position of the Chinese Government. So that's the two biggest markets in the world; they've basically signalled that they are moving electric and quickly.

THEA DIKEOS: Next year, Mitsubishi will be the first major manufacturer to roll out an electric vehicle called the i MiEV on Australian roads. ...