In a world where environment protection and energy conservation are growing concerns, the development of electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) has taken on an accelerated pace. The dream of having commercially viable EVs and HEVs is becoming a reality. EVs and HEVs are gradually available in the market. This paper will provide an overview of the present status of electric and hybrid vehicles worldwide and their state of the art, with emphasis on the engineering philosophy

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... key technologies. The importance of the integration of technologies of automobile, electric motor drive, electronics, energy storage, and controls and also the importance of the integration of society strength from government, industry, research institutions, electric power utilities, and transportation authorities are addressed. The challenge of EV commercialization is discussed.