[Cajundaddy]

I think mainstream electric cars are simply a series of step-changes in technology and probably 20 years away rather than the 10 that Gavin Nuisance is pushing for.

The motors, controllers, and regeneration are already pretty well developed technologies. The big hurdles that are being worked now are localized micro-generating stations, light weight mass energy storage, and rapid transfer of energy from the charging station to the car.

4th gen micro nuclear power plants are being explored and tested now including thorium, and walk-away safe fission. Imagine a modern version of a nuclear submarine power plant complete with high energy storage and rapid transfer that occupies the space of 4 shipping containers. Easily transportable and can run 24/7 loading up the storage medium for easy energy transfer during peak usage. These are completely mobile that could be moved to different locations as demand shifts. This is the goal to deliver localized independent generation around the world and will happen as engineers continue to work the problem. Give it 20 years.

High capacity energy storage is being worked at a feverish pace because this offers the greatest potential for increase range. This will make a technology step change in the next few years.

The final step is to transfer a lot of electrons in a hurry so you can charge a car in a much shorter time than overnight.

Engineers are working these problems in many different ways and they will get solved at some point. Once these are well developed the ICE will still be around but more as cherished pieces from an earlier time like the Model T and steam cars than daily transportation.