Until the late 19th century, many scientists thought of electricity as an almost mystical phenomenon, remarking on its ability to cause action at a distance, in the same category as telepathy. These days, despite its quotidian familiarity, the word “electricity” retains a magical aura, able to cause policy changes simply by its incantation. Or so manufacturers of electric cars must hope.

At the Frankfurt car show this week, the old dream of electrically powered cars was revived by the showy unveiling of vehicles which, their manufacturers argue, represent the future of their industry (or, at least, a major part of it).