One of the drawbacks of electric vehicles, as with most emerging technologies, is cost. Thanks to the need to cover research and development costs, the vehicles are not cheap to begin with, and manufacturers add a premium -- which they think you should be happy to pay, given the long-term fuel savings -- not to mention that consumers are forced to pay for home charging stations as part of the deal. (Costs for such stations vary, but can run up to two grand.) Thankfully (or not, I suppose, depending on your stance on such things) the government has been easing the burden with rebates and tax write-offs to help spur the burgeoning industry -- including, now, a new federal grant that will hand out free charging stations. Drivers in nine areas -- Sacramento, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay-San Jose area in California; New York City; Orlando, Fla.; Austin, Texas; Detroit; Washington, D.C.; and Redmond, Wash. -- are eligible. The 4,600 charging stations are being given away by the ChargePoint America program, for both public and private use, and are being "funded in part by $15 million in stimulus funds administered by the Energy Department" according to The New York Times "Wheels" blog. Total cost is expected to be about $37 million, funded in part, it's hoped, by state matching grants. (Ford, General Motors and Smart are partners in the program.)
Eligible drivers can speak to their dealerships about application, and businesses interested in the program can visit the ChargePoint America website to fill out a reservation form.
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