Electric Vehicles and the Magic 8 Ball [Technology Leaders]

It is a simple yes or no question that has stood for more than 25 years. Billions have been wagered on one side or the other, and the outcome is still uncertain: "will (battery) electric vehicles (EVs) grow beyond the niche and become mainstream?" In a simpler era, long ago, I would seek sage advice to difficult questions from a prized toy, the Magic 8 Ball. You held the giant 6-in plastic billiard ball in your hands, asked it a yes or no question, concentrated very hard, and then turned the ball over. Then slowly the answer would appear-sometimes definitively, but at other times not so clearly. Often it was proved correct. Maybe we should consult with the Magic 8 Ball to guide us now (Figure 1). But in addition, I would like to offer this article on the history, status, and outlook of EVs and EV technologies.