French admits that initially she was worried the Prius would be underpowered. If I have to switch lanes or pull out, I do not worry. That means neither vehicle needs to be plugged into an electric outlet for recharging. Their emissions are less, but they still pollute. Eventually, experts say, fuel cell technology holds the best promise for pollution-free vehicles.
Fuel cells use hydrogen to power battery-operated vehicles and produce only water as a byproduct.
But adoption of such technology is years away. In the short term, hybrid cars will emerge as a transitional technology. If oil prices drop, then all bets are off. Any changes will take time. By 2010, more than 1-billion vehicles will grace the planet.