Electric vehicles tough choice for consumers  2012-12-06
09:38:40  I've had a series of discussions with some bright and
successful people in Orange County who have looked seriously at
electric cars. Some own them. Some want them. Some are skeptical
about them.  Electric vehicles will play a key role in the
nation's quest for reduced dependency on imported oil and,
indeed, oil in general, and they hold out the promise that we
can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But they are
not yet ready for prime time. Here are some issues that prevent
widespread use.  1. The costs  Pro: Electric cars have come a
long way. Electricity is less expensive than gasoline and is
more efficient. While the costs of operations and the
amortization of the costs of EVs don't balance for Orange County
consumers now, prices are coming down and EVs soon will be
attractive to more households.  Con: EVs are not accessible to
most Americans. They are too expensive, even with present
federal subsidies, for middle-class household