ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE

E They may be scarce on our roads but plug-in cars were the stars of Europe’s biggest automotive technology showcase

lectric cars may not make sense in Australia given our vast distances, lack of recharging infrastructure and dependence on coal power.

But if this year’s Frankfurt motor show is a guide, they’re coming whether we’re ready or not.

The recent “dieselgate” scandal has left diesel with a bad odour, and car makers want to push the emissions debate — and responsibility — onto the energy industry.

As Greenpeace protesters waved signs outside proclaiming “The Oil Age Is Ending” — alongside a half-buried car — automotive brands were embracing electric propulsion.

The push towards electric cars and hybrids has hit the accelerator because the industry believes it’s on the verge of a breakthrough in battery technology that will eliminate range anxiety.

“The heated debate on driving bans in cities (and) the future of diesel … shows the times when our industry celebrated itself here in Frankfurt, basking in its own glory, are definitely over,” said Matthias Muller, the boss of VW, the world’s biggest car maker.

VW is investing 50 billion euros ($AUD75 billion) in electric cars, battery factories and recharging infrastructure over the next decade.

It will lead to more than 80 new electric cars by 2025 — including 50 purely batterypowered vehicles and 30 plug-in hybrids — many with a driving range of up to 600km and recharge times “as quick as a coffee break”.

Here are the Frankfurt concept cars that point to the near future. This four-door SUV coupe looks like something from science fiction but VW says it’ll be in showrooms in 2020.

It runs on electric power for 500km before it needs to be recharged. A petrol or diesel version won’t be available.

Tricks up its sleeve include voice commands to open and close the doors, and a “gesture control” sunroof that opens and closes with a wave of the hand.

It’s also fully autonomous — either using a voice command or by pressing the VW logo on the steering wheel.

Four laser scanners in the roof monitor the traffic. Want to regain control? Just tap the brake pedal or press the VW logo again and you’re in charge. Audi is so confident in the autonomous ability of its electric car concept that it didn’t install a steering wheel or brake and accelerator pedals