It is probably going to be some time before you and me sit behind the wheel of car that runs on electricity - a car that has zero pollution, and almost zero noise.

However, we have come a long way from the initial jerky models of the 70s, and international car majors are putting in earnest efforts to make the electric car a reality. (albeit spurred by progressive laws - The California Air Resources Board requires all manufacturers who sell more than 35,000 cars annually, to produce ZEV's - Zero Emission Vehicles - to 2% of sales till 2000. This percent would gradually increase to 10% from 2003 onwards). Although the law is enforced only in the State of California, it is a matter a time before similar legislation spreads throughout the world.

Today the electric car certainly does have its limitations - they are expensive, the 'efficiency' offered by the existing batteries are fairly low (approximately 125-150 kms before they have to be charged again), and re-charging facilities are not readily available.

However elaborate test-drives are being carried out by manufacturers, and although limited, a number of electric cars have already found their way on the road. Battery-technology is fast improving, and there is no doubt that these are the cars of the future.