Mainstream makes vroom for e-cars

BMW’s new electric i4 on show in Munich last year. At the upper end, electric vehicles are already competitive on price and could save buyers thousands on maintenance and petrol. PHOTO: NYTIMES
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(NYTIMES) - Sales of cars powered solely by batteries surged in the United States, Europe and China last year, while deliveries of fossil-fuel vehicles were stagnant. Demand for electric cars is so strong that manufacturers are requiring buyers to put down deposits months in advance. And some models are effectively sold out for the next two years.

Battery-powered cars will enter the mainstream this year as motor-vehicle manufacturers begin selling electric versions of one of Americans' favourite vehicle type: pickup trucks.

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