Plug-in space still wide open

The other day Germany announced its plans to put 1 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2020. While critics have claimed the program is lacking in details and funding, it's no surprise Germany would implement such a goal considering the importance of the auto industry on the German economy and psyche.

Nonetheless, Germany has been a bit of a laggard on hybrid and electric vehicle technology. Yet, German officials are not worried about whether they can catch up to the rest of the auto industry.

According to Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee even Japan hasn't yet achieved a "real breakthrough" in plug-in technology.