Auto Evolution (cont.)

If you are ready to shift paradigms instead of gears, there’s one final hurdle for you: the scarcity of these new-generation machines. GM says there will be only about 10,000 Volts produced through 2011, and Nissan’s U.S. division hopes to get at least 15,000 LEAFs next year from the world’s supply of 50,000. Those limited numbers have produced waiting lists and, according to market analysts, the likelihood that a few dealers will mark up already-high sticker prices. Although 20,000 people have plunked down $99 to “reserve” a LEAF online, Nissan acknowledged that some might not see a car until late 2011. (In other words, if you haven’t registered, your chances of owning a LEAF before 2012 are remote unless you’re willing to pay well above sticker price to pry one from a dealer’s hands.)

Chevy and Nissan intend to crank up production—GM in July 2010 boosted the Volt’s 2012 production target to 45,000 units, up from 30,000—but that’s a ways off.

For many consumers, the obstacles of owning an electric car will seem daunting, the advantages murky and the price too high. For now, they might be right. But a green elephant in the room—regulations—might change that. From the United States to Europe, governments are prodding automakers to dramatically boost mileage and cut carbon-dioxide emissions. It could be just a matter of time before you find yourself on the other side of the electric fence.

Lawrence Ulrich writes about automobiles for The New York Times and has reviewed cars and covered the industry for 10 years.