GM goes electric - Introduction

It seems that barely a day goes by without someone, somewhere launching a new car, engine or concept car that boasts improved efficiency and lower emissions.

The results have been startling, with some car manufacturers able to boast that their diesels emit 70% less pollutants and 90% less harmful nitrous oxide (NOX) gases than they did ten years ago.

The stark fact, though, is that the overall emissions produced by motorists have continued to rise, principally because there are more cars on the road and people are using them to drive longer distances.

The growth of emerging nations such as India and China means the trend of increased motoring is likely to continue, with estimates suggesting that by 2020 there will be one billion vehicles in use, compared with today's 800 million.

If nothing is done to change this, estimates suggest that by 2030 we will need 70% more energy to power our vehicles than today.

Many believe it simply isn't realistic to sustain that demand for energy - yet just as many agree the demand for personal transport is unlikely to diminish.