Charging up the road

PICTURE AN ALL-ELECTRIC VEHICLE cruising down the highway, emitting little noise and no noxious fumes. It's such an improvement that you have to wonder why only a handful of all-electric vehicles are now available on the mass market. · Here's a big reason: Picture the driver of that same car getting a call from a relative living far away who needs immediate help. Suddenly, the driver's eyes become riveted on the most important indicator on the dashboard: the estimated number of kilometers that the car can go on the remaining battery charge. Will he make it to his relative's house? Even if he does, will he find a charging station so he can get back home?