Technical innovation is quite central to the continued development of the industry.
For example, modern cars use power electronics to run engine computers and performance regulators. Electric vehicles need very efficient power electronics to operate the car s electric motor without placing unnecessary strain on the battery. And, power electronics are used in computer power supplies, welding, adjustable speed drive motor controls and dozens of other applications. Power electronics will also be a key to achieving a continental-scale power grid in which physical and geographical constraints to bulk power transfer are eliminated. That could be achieved by 2020, at which time continental scale, on-line wholesale and retail transactions would be more practical.