The Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1976 aims to show the benefits of electric vehicles and develop the necessary infrastructure for them to compete with gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles have advantages like using clean energy sources, producing no pollution or noise, and recharging batteries during off-peak hours. They are also easier to control pollution from compared to gasoline engines. Despite challenges, electric vehicle range is expected to improve in the next decade. With rising gasoline costs and stricter laws on vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency, the market for electric and hybrid vehicles is expected to grow.