Financial Time (U.K.) analyzes the continuing hurdles in building the U.S. infrastructure:  

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e2b1d566-75ba-11df-86c4-00144feabdc0.html

Press-Telegram (LB, CA) discusses quick charge breakthrough and political efforts for California infrastructure:

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_15330285

With all the talk of shifting U.S. drivers to “cleaner” electric and other alternative fuel vehicles, we may still be a decade away from a significant shift to plug-in electrics. 

The added cost of electric vehicles and the need for local, regional and national infrastructure to get the driving public comfortable with the current “range axiety” that is a constant worry for drivers with normal battery driving range of 40-80 miles.

Other issues include standardizing the plug-in units and the length of time to fully charge the battery.  While technology is working on “quick-charge” processes, current charging times can be as long as 8 hours, which means the plug-in charging stations must be positioned must differently than gasoline stations.  For example – malls, business complexes, and in residential units.

The final issue being debated is whether the electric alternative significantly reduces the carbon footprint of electric car owners after factoring in the manufacturing process, replacement and disposal of dirty batteries, the continuing need for large and less-than-clean electric power plants, and the need to dispose of old cars and manufacture new ones.

Technology advancements are clearly being made….but time will tell…..