But there is one thing these companies are forgetting — electricity and water don’t mix.

While it’s admirable to see the Big Three finally doing something to address energy concerns and consumer dissatisfaction, it may be too late and too soon for such a measure.

Indeed, the Big Three lack the innovation and, in some cases, quality of their foreign competitors, so this fresh emphasis on electric cars is necessary.

However, whether such a venture can be made profitable is unclear, and mass-producing small amounts of these cars is more symbolic than anything.

The reason for small production numbers for these new cars is simple — there isn’t a market for electric cars.

That is not only because consumers haven’t been introduced to such cars, but also because they will undoubtedly be more expensive than their petroleum-powered predecessors.

In these economic times, it’s hard to imagine people shelling out money for a brand-new electric car if they can get a used sedan or new minivan to save a few thousand dollars.

Consumers will not be entirely sold on the Big Three until they can prove they’re financially solvent.

Issues such as warranties and customer service should concern future buyers, because it’s not a guarantee that such things will remain intact.

Additionally, these concept cars are scheduled to hit the roads in 2010. If the Big Three fail to bolster their current car lineup, their management officials will participate in a Chapter 11 lineup.

Electric concept cars — the key word being “concept” — are hardly a solution to the Big Three’s gigantic problems.

They will be produced too few in quantity to make an impact, and any car company that relies on its truck sales to achieve any semblance of profitability is in trouble.

Even the Toyota Prius, the car that is virtually synonymous with “hybrid vehicle,” had sales of 8,660 cars in the United States in November 2008, the lowest total since January 2007.

The Big Three must instead focus on improving its current products to remain afloat. The Big Three cannot expect to corner the electric car market, and even if they do, foreign competitors will find a way to do it cheaper.

This electric car push will certainly increase consumer confidence in the companies, but that doesn’t mean people will be ready to open their checkbooks for such cars.

The Big Three must realize that little bells and whistles such as a built-in iPod charger, which will surely bedazzle future owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando, cannot be significant selling points.

These companies are past the point of luxury — it’s time to admit they’re scrounging for pennies.