In the aftermath of BP’s oil-rig collapse and the ensuing millions of gallons of oil it has spewed into the Gulf of Mexico, a more widespread use of electric vehicles is being called a necessity to help protect national security and the environment. With upwards of 70 percent of oil consumption fueling the transportation industry, the first call is for the government to invest more dollars into making electrification for everyday motorists and commercial vehicle operators a reality. Proposed legislation to that end has garnered bipartisan support, though many concede that it will be a long, arduous battle to loosen the country’s dependence on oil.

Proponents of wider electric vehicle use for both everyday motorists and commercial vehicle operators alike are renewing their call for more government investment dollars, pointing to BP’s massive oil-rig collapse in the Gulf of Mexico as but the latest reason why a shift to electrification is necessary.

“It is my belief that after terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, our increased dependence on petroleum represents the biggest single threat to our nation’s economy and national security,” said Frederick Smith, chairman, president & CEO of FedEx Corp. and co-chairman of the Energy Security Leadership Council in testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources this week.

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