Going electric, even if petrol is cheap

Detroit

WHILE US consumers were taking advantage of low petrol prices to buy trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in large numbers, some carmakers delayed investing in slower-selling electrified vehicles.

But with increases in federal fuel-economy standards looming in 2017, car companies are hustling to bring out hybrid and electric models to help them meet the new rules - even though electrified vehicles make up only 2 per cent of overall sales.