Some more info from my end of the pond, about the demand for Electric Vehicles:
London has created a revival in electric cars through exemptions to the city congestion charge, and setting up charging stations in parking meters.
Europe has had electric vehicles for many years and they are gaining popularity everyday. London could even soon replace California as the electric car capital of the world. Despite being low-speed vehicles about which safety concerns have been raised, they have months long waiting lists. Limited ranged, lead-acid battery based cars, they have nonetheless proven the demand of even less than perfect electric vehicles in Europe.
From the Westminster City Council (London) itself:
The number of free electric car charging points in central London is more than doubling from today, Thursday, June 15.
Westminster City Council currently has 22 charging points for electric vehicles at nine of its Masterpark car parks and is the only local authority in the United Kingdom that provides such a service.
Now, this is being expanded to provide another 26 points where the congestion charge busting vehicles can be powered up.
Masterpark's "Green Card" scheme currently offers unlimited off street parking to electric vehicles for an annual administration fee of £200 for a nominated car park - up to 98 per cent off the standard annual season ticket.
Drivers of electric vehicles do not have to pay the congestion charge and are also exempt from road tax. Later on this year, it will be even more convenient for electric car drivers to re-charge their cars when two on street power points are unveiled in the Autumn.
The use of electric vehicles is steadily rising, with "Green Card" numbers more than doubling in the two years it has been running.
Electric vehicles emit extremely low levels of Carbon Dioxide. They do not produce any Nitrogen Oxide and the fine particulates that are harmful to human health.