Electric and plug-in hybrid cars whiz past 3m mark worldwide

Rapid growth is due to falling battery costs, government incentives and car makers competing to build new models

The number of fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars on the world’s roads has passed the 3m mark, as manufacturers ramp up their plans for mass production of battery-powered vehicles.

Related: Norway leads way on electric cars: 'it’s part of a green taxation shift'

Related: How green are electric cars?

Related: Electric cars may stall without a battery revolution