A professor in Iowa State University’s electrical and computer engineer department predicts the benefits of an electrified transportation system will be evident 20 years from now. This week, the Ford Motor Company announced it will build four new factories in the next four years — three to make batteries for electric vehicles and one to make electric trucks. As Ford and other auto-makers shift to making more electric vehicles, it will put an additional load on the power grid.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are more than 500 ports in Iowa where electric vehicles can be charged. Jim McCalley says that makes hybrid models that switch to petroleum-based fuel when the battery runs low attractive.

McCalley made his comments during a recent appearance on “Iowa Press” on Iowa P-B-S.