Over the past year, the term “range anxiety” has burrowed its way into the electric vehicle lexicon. But another may soon join it: “gas anxiety.”

“Gas anxiety is the fear of a plug-in hybrid turning on the gas engine,” says Michael Rowand, director of technology development for Duke Energy, “No matter what, I will find a way to charge the car before it switches over to gasoline.” Rowand is currently driving the Chevy Volt as part of a pilot project Duke is conducting with General Motors, charging stations manufacturers and various city partners.

Many believe that all-electric cars will require a larger public infrastructure than plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), which run on battery power for a number of miles until the gas engine kicks in. Some studies have analyzed charging behavior, but no one knows for certain how this technology will be used until real on-the-ground numbers accumulate.

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With Nissan delivering the first round of Leafs this week, and the Chevy Volt not far behind, Americans now have the option to drive electric. In the next few years, every other major automaker will release a model of their own. After years of talk and speculation, the electric car is finally here.

By Ben Holland of the Rocky Mountain Institute

Alex Bogusky and his dad welcome Ben Holland and Matt Mattila from the Rocky Mountain Institute. They discuss upcoming electric cars, pros & cons, and the future of transportation.