"Autumn in Australia brings the possibility of rain, which would make driving without traction control and enginebraking control a real challenge, " Heidfeld said.
To meet those standards, GM must install smaller battery packs in autos and implement mechanisms that regenerate braking energy and shut down the vehicle's engine when it's idling.
Ask any engineering executive at any car company: In order to meet new and ambitious fuel-economy standards in the global markets including a U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard of 54.5 mpg by 2025 cars and trucks of the near future will have to exploit the advantages of electric drive (low rpm torque, low-speed efficiency, regenerative braking) in urban driving, while reserving the gasoline-fired engine for times of peak load and sustained demand.