In a story for Automotive News Dave Guilford looks at the rising number of electric automobiles on the market, many of which were on display at the Paris auto show last week.

While many of the vehicles produced by small start-ups were "neighborhood" cars, only a step above golf carts, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Smart, and Heuliez all showed vehicles intended for general use.

These cars have no gasoline engine as a backup, no generator onboard, and cause no emissions, a major point touted by proponents of the technology.

Nissan plans to roll out electric cars in 2010 with global sales in 2012 with Mitsubishi on a similar schedule. A limited run of Smart electrics will appear in the U.S. next year with broad production planed by 2012.

Most electrics, which have a driving range of 40 to 60 miles, are being designed with an eye toward accommodating specific driving patterns. They will be charged at home and potentially at charging stations available in parking areas. Other makers, like Nissan, envision a program that would allow drivers to lease extra, swappable batteries for longer trips.

The daily driving needs of some 90 percent of Americans would be met by an electric with a 60-mile range, but another vehicle would be required for lengthier drives. Not all drivers will be able to afford two vehicles. Achieving a reasonable, low price point is, therefore, a significant stumbling block to wide-spread acceptance of electrics.

Currently the electric generating the most hype is the Chevrolet Volt, a hybrid electric that will, purportedly, run 40 miles on a single charge before a small gasoline engine activates to begin recharging the battery. GM has promised to have the Volt on showroom floors by 2010, but a price tag of as much as $40,000 will be a major hurdle for many consumers.