The US, EU and Japan are working on an agreement that policy makers hope will mean an increase in electric cars. The three groups have two goals: to accelerate the acceptance, safety and environmental standards for electric cars and to converge the regulations of the three regions to give auto makers economies of scale and make producing electric vehicles cheaper. 

This concept was approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency in the US, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan and European Commission, and it was agreed upon in Geneva on November 17.

They are also attempting to include China and India on any discussions.

"The regulatory cooperation agreement will help to increase the market potential for this important breakthrough technology, contributing for competitiveness and a more sustainable road transport," said European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani. 

The group responsible for safety will investigate safe handling of batteries and how to prevent shocks to occupants both in accidents and while recharging. 

Source: Green Car Website