Pamela Peerce-Landers

A global survey of prospective electric car buyers in 17 countries showed that buyers' expectations are largely unmet by most electric cars today. Only the Tesla Model S has sufficient range, but the price is too high for most who don't want to pay more than $30,000. But by 2015, models meeting range and price requirements will be available and the fast charging infrastructure in the US should be adequate.

As recent advances make electric cars more attractive, some automakers are discounting the future importance of this market.