It seems every major carmaker these days is thinking about electric vehicles in some capacity. At one of the world's largest auto shows in Shanghai this year, several manufacturers boasted their snazzy concept cars and talked up imminent launches.
Electric vehicle sales are rising fast, and battery installation is climbing — largely thanks to China, where battery demand rose more than 175 percent in the first quarter.
Before getting carried away with images of electric cars racing down roadways and crowding out gas guzzlers, there's a stark reality to consider: Electric vehicles that appeal to swathes of consumers remain few and far between, and those on the road are still too expensive.