Each member of the panel began with a quick overview of what their respective company is currently trying to do to bring more alternative-fuel cars to the market. Larry discussed some familiar names that we’ve written about here on FYI and over on FastLane — the Volt, the Equinox, and the Sequel. Larry talked about how each vehicle varies from the next, but I was glad to hear him talk about the bigger picture 151; that we need to diversify our energy sources. While cars like the Volt will change the way we drive in the future, Larry’s points reminded all of us in the audience just how fragile our current energy situation really is.

The question-and-answer session allowed us to ask Larry and the other panel members some of our burning questions. Topics ranged from how global warming impacts our buying habits when it comes to cars, to more technical questions, such as if the towing capacities change on hybrid SUVs.

A big question asked to the panelists was what can be done to accelerate battery technology for electric cars. Larry reminded the audience that GM is working hard to find the right technology, and used a good example to illustrate why some current, familiar batteries can’t be used to power a sedan: You can’t power your car with a laptop battery. Batteries that will be placed in electric cars must be able to perform in extreme conditions (cold mornings in your garage, or idling on the highway on a hot summer day, for example).

While each panel member had updates on what their companies are working on, everyone came back to the same point — alternative-fuel cars are here to stay.