Experts cite concerns about price, charging times and batteries running out as obstacles for buyers

The global automobile industry's resurgence underscores the need for nations to act promptly to combat air pollution, as electric vehicles - a "green" transportation alternative pushed by China's leaders - have been slow to catch on with the general public, according to a new report by the Worldwatch Institute.

"These trends may be good news for the automobile industry, which now sells a third more vehicles than just three years ago," said Michael Renner, who co-authored the report for the independent Washington-based research organization. "But the same trends magnify environmental challenges. Automobiles are major contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions."