Electric cars coming to Valley roads in 2010

Electric vehicles have been hyped before as the car of the future, but 2010 could be the year plug-in vehicles finally take off.

Advances in battery technology, the introduction of three new electric models, a volatile oil market, eager consumers concerned about global warming and a huge federal investment in charging stations have converged, pointing the way to an automotive future without tailpipes or exhaust gases.

Nissan will deliver 1,000 of its zero-emission, five-passenger Leaf hatchbacks to Valley and Tucson buyers in December. Other carmakers, including Tesla Motors, with its high-performance sports car, and Chevrolet, with a four-passenger Volt, are hustling to get more electric cars on American roads as acceptance grows and the technology accelerates.

“It’s a whole new world,” said Jim Stack, chapter president of the Electric Auto Association-Phoenix, a group of electric-vehicle owners. “It’s amazing technology that is already here and very safe.”

Arizona Republic