The electric car really arrives

In the auto shows of years gone buy they were more of a curiosity. But during this week's gathering at L.A. Convention Center the electric car is the focal point. The long-awaited Chevy Volt is being shipped out this month, Nissan's battery-only Leaf will be launched by year's end, and Honda has its hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity on display. Every major automaker has some kind of electric or plug-in hybrid. From the LAT:

Everyone from garage tinkerers to automakers has toyed with electric cars in recent decades, particularly during times of high gas prices. But they never caught on because battery technology limited the range of the cars and oil prices always receded, making electric cars comparatively too expensive. Now, improvements in battery technology, pollution concerns and fears of soaring gas prices have given new impetus to alternative-fuel vehicles.

One big impediment will be the cost of the charger, which could add $3,700 to the price (more like $1,000 after government credits and other incentive programs). But there are also pluses: The Times reports that L.A. may give electric vehicle owners preferential or free parking. Plus. drivers will get access to carpool lanes.