The industry is attempting to address these problems. Battery technology is the primary limiting factor for electric cars. The lead acid battery, standard equipment in the Solectria production models, allows a range of only 35 to 70 miles between charges. The more advanced, and more expensive nickel cadmium battery has a range of 100 miles. Nickel metal hydride batteries go for up to 175 miles, but cost even more.
Refueling is simple, but time consuming.
Just plug in the car to an electric outlet, and wait 6 to 8 hours for a full charge. This can be done overnight in the garage, or at work in preparation for the commute home. With more advanced technology, which could be made available at gas stations and shopping plazas in the future, a swipe of your credit card could bring you a charge in 5 to 30 minutes. That depends on local utility rates, the type of battery used, the terrain covered, and the individual's driving style. The standard for gasoline is five to seven cents per mile for fuel.