Charging ahead

Electric cars are finally heading to the mass market—and cities are starting to get ready for them.

With the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt due to launch late this year, the car companies are making deals with local officials around the country to set up public charging stations and make it easier for customers to power up at home. In some areas, utilities are also backing the efforts, offering customers special rate packages for recharging their cars.

But the electrification efforts aren’t limited to the usual suspects—traditionally green cities like San Francisco and Seattle. Efforts are also under way in places like Orlando, Indianapolis and Memphis, Tenn., where the motor vehicle is the main mode of transportation—and where electric cars will likely meet their ultimate success or failure.

[Source & read more: The Wall Street Journal]

Tags: Chevrolet Volt, Nissan leaf

Nissan’s new Leaf: An EV and charging stations too

Recognizing that consumers won’t go for battery-powered vehicles if supplying them with juice isn’t cheap and convenient, the company is working with electric utilities, private organizations and all levels of government to set up networks of charging stations. The Leaf is expected to go on sale in the U.S., Europe and Japan late next year.

Tags: Batteries, Battery, Business, Charging station, Electric vehicle, Electronics and Electrical, Energy, Japan, Juice, Nissan leaf, Power Supplies, Technology, Transportation, United States