Last week, battery manufacturer A123 Systems explained in its corporate blog that some lithium-ion batteries are not built to withstand constant quick charging. Andy Chu, A123′s vice president of marketing and communications, states, "While some vehicles currently claim to offer 30-minute fast charge capability using these technologies, owners are urged to only use this capability sparingly to minimize battery degradation and reduced life." Then, he pivots to a sales pitch for A123's technology.

According to Tesla Motors, the 85-kWh version of the Model S is expected to achieve 250-350 miles of range during constant-speed highway driving at 50-70 mph" under ideal conditions. If driven with a great deal of care, the range could even extend beyond 400 miles, according to the company.

I ran into a friend in Los Angeles this week who called Ford’s dealership in Santa Monica—a red hot hotspot for EV adoption—but couldn’t get any information from the dealership about buying a Ford Focus Electric, despite making it crystal clear that he was a customer with cash in hand and ready to buy. Maybe that's just one anecdote. Or is it a sign of trouble?

Toyota announced this week that its upcoming RAV4 EV, featuring a powertrain co-developed by Tesla Motors, will sell "fully-equipped" for $49,800. Company officials also told me that the regen braking will have a much milder feel than the prototype I drove last year.