Electric vehicles promise to transform the automotive landscape. But, don’t expect to see too many differences in assembly plants as automakers start ramping up production.

Some automakers have decided to design, develop and produce electric vehicle components in-house, rather than purchase subassemblies from suppliers.

Automakers and suppliers are scrambling to produce key electromechanical components, such as axles, controllers, steering sytems and climate-control systems.

As demand for unmanned military vehicles grows, smaller, lighter and more powerful batteries will be needed.

A plain-looking warehouse near Detroit is being transformed into a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery assembly plant. General Motors Co. (GM) is investing $43 million in the facility to mass-produce battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt and other extended-range electric vehicles. When the 160,000-square-foot facility opens next year, it will be the first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in the U.S. operated by a major automaker.

Lithium-ion batteries are today's hot technology in the auto industry. However, the devices have traditionally been expensive to produce. To capture a piece of the lithium-ion battery business, American manufacturers need to invest heavily in automated assembly lines.

Future generations of green vehicles will depend on in-wheel motors. The technology involves a combination to wheels, tires, motors, brakes, steering, suspension and cooling systems. It eliminates the need for traditional components such as engines, transmissions, differentials and transmission shafts, which can result in a 10 percent to 25 percent weight reduction and a 20 percent to 30 percent fuel savings.

Despite big challenges, the potential is huge.