Range costs money, right? Now, with the looming launch of the Tesla Model S and its numerous range variations, Tesla is truly putting a price tag on range and basically asking buyers "How much are you willing to spend?" Is $10,000 too much for 70 miles of additional range? Is $20,000 acceptable for 140 miles of added range?

This brief video, presented by the US Department of Energy, explains the basic benefits of owning a plug-in vehicle. In less than three minutes, the DoE informs us that plug-ins reduce emissions, slash fuel consumption and make perfect sense for most commuters here in the US.

One key advantage of driving an electric car is that it’s much cheaper to fuel than a gas-powered vehicle. It's a sure thing—that is, if an EV owner has done the necessary research about rate plans and charging times. But blindly driving forward, without thinking about the rate plans offered by your local power company, can lead to unexpected—and sometimes unfortunate—outcomes.

Last week, PluginCars.com posted my EV-Hater’s Guide to Hating Electric Cars. The article, based on the mainstream media’s wonderfully irrational disdain for electric vehicles, generated a lot of comments. Web discussions about EVs, for some reason, are especially vitriolic—generating a lot of false and downright misleading information. Thus, the need for this second chapter of the EV-Hater’s Guide.

Many modern EVs such as the Nissan LEAF come with telematics systems that include charging station data. This is the simplest way to find a charging station. However, new charging stations are appearing every day and built-in systems are not always up to date. So how can you find the newest, latest, greatest scoop on charging station locations? Maps and apps!