USA driving public blessed with inexpensive fuel...Inexpensive gasoline has been the norm for Americans for decades. With cheap gasoline came the ability to produce bigger, bolder, faster vehicles with no concern about the mpg ratings. It is an unfortunate fact that we are dependent on fossil fuels for our autos, and that dependence is not going away anytime soon. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the hopes that we can turn things around.

No one person can make it happen, it's a group effort.

The buying public must demand the change, the politicians must enforce it, the manufacturers must provide the vehicles that fit the bill, and the oil companies will be left to do nothing but hang their heads in shame. The electric car, or EV, was once something that big car manufacturers laughed at; but it is now becoming the salvation of the auto industry.

A few years ago, the automotive manufacturers were doing everything they could to discourage the advent of electric vehicles. Now they are focusing on better fuel economy and working electric automobiles into their future plans. As tougher penalties are put into place for vehicles that aren't environmentally friendly, the carmakers are finally responding and providing the buying public with the autos they are demanding.

By the year 2012 the United States government and the European Commission will be holding auto manufacturers responsible for how fuel efficient their models are. Vehicles that are designed with high carbon dioxide emissions will cost the manufacturers fees and penalties. The auto companies know what is coming, and are finally taking steps to produce cleaner cars as quickly as they can.

GM's Volt, for example, started out as an interesting little exhibit and has turned into a hugely popular auto that could help keep the company operating in the black. Every other auto manufacturer is now taking a cue from the GM's success with the Volt. They are working on putting out their own electric or hybrid auto over the next few years. There is a good possibility that embracing green cars can be what revolutionizes and saves the American auto maker.

It is vital that the buying public support this shift by the auto manufacturers. The best way to support this positive change is to not only show a passing interest, but to actually purchase an electric or hybrid car.

Tax breaks are available to help defray the cost, but the American buyer has to take the next step. Granted, early electric cars lacked the bells and whistles that Americans are so addicted to. But this is changing quickly. As batteries are improved, the EV becomes more powerful and efficient. The research needed into the power systems and batteries in particular should be encouraged.

The electric autos coming out now are more powerful, more comfortable, and more enjoyable to drive. The fact is that traditional gas-powered vehicles cost an astounding 14 cents per mile to operate, while electric vehicles cost only 3 cents per mile to operate. The money savings can not be discounted or ignored, and the American public should do everything in their power to encourage auto manufacturers to continue working on developing these vehicles.

The United States auto manufacturers should put far more energy into developing great hybrid electric vehicles, or HEVs. HEVs that features power, comfort, increased energy and style will be a true market force to be reckoned with.

Politics plays a larger role in this than people realize. Not only can the lawmakers pledge more tax dollars to viable EV related projects in forms of grants, extending the EV tax credit, tax relief for fleet buyers, to levying fines that encourage all involved to change.