Just as with a gasoline-powered car, an electric car's "fuel economy" will vary depending on road and weather conditions, accessory usage and how the car is driven. But with an electric car, with its shorter range, long charging time and the relative scarcity of places to recharge, knowing how far the car can go is far more critical.
Time will tell how much difference knowing all this information does to ease driver acceptance of electric cars.
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Last updated October 08 2010: 11:03 AM ET