In a candid interview at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan executive vice-president Andy Palmer explained why he believes that "it's complete bullshit" to assume that electric vehicles emit more CO2 than comparable gasoline-fueled automobiles.

According to numerous media reports, the President will announce tomorrow a new agreement with automakers and California to strengthen carbon pollution and fuel efficiency standards to 54.5 mpg by 2025. The new agreement is the single biggest step the president can take to lower drivers’ gas bills and cut heat-trapping pollution at the same time.

There is general industry agreement that electric vehicle charging needs to be smart enough to respond to the changing conditions on the grid (to limit the impact on the grid) and to changing prices (to maximize the savings of driving electric). The looming question that will help to shape the ultimate success of EVs is, “Will that smart charging be enabled through smart meters, or through other devices?”

On Monday the Obama administration announced its intent to set 56.2 mpg as the starting point for a final decision on Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards leading into the 2025 model year. Would a strong standard necessarily mean that more plug-ins will be produced and bought? Yes and no.

Have you seen an electric car from General Motors prowling American roads lately? I bet you haven't. And yet you could easily see one if you happen to live around Karlsruhe, in Germany. These aren't Chevrolets, they're from Opel, the European arm of GM.