Plug-In

Although the EPA offers e-waste guidelines to consumers, manufacturers and retailers through a program called Plug-In to eCycling, and e-waste legislation is being drafted in Congress, consumers often are confused about what to do.

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Ford does produce a range of hybrids similar in engineering to the Toyota Prius, but none were on display at Plug-In 2011.

Michael Carmichael: Plug-In 2011: Rising Tide for Electric Cars

At the Raleigh Convention Center, Plug-In 2011 brought together hundreds of manufacturers, engineers, vendors, media and the general public to see many of the leading plug-in hybrids and pure electric cars.

Michael Carmichael: Plug-In 2011: Rising Tide for Electric Cars

Ford exhibited their Focus Electric, but the packaging of the car on display at Plug-In 2011 made it clear that it was still a pre-production/prototype.

Michael Carmichael: Plug-In 2011: Rising Tide for Electric Cars

At Plug-In 2011, charging stations became the rage.

Michael Carmichael: Plug-In 2011: Rising Tide for Electric Cars

Everywhere you turned at Plug-In 2011, someone was talking about the, "Ten Millionth Electric Car" -- a metaphor for the general acceptance of the electric car by the majority of consumers.

Michael Carmichael: Plug-In 2011: Rising Tide for Electric Cars

More Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Cars So far, the hype around battery electric cars, such as Nissan Motor Co.'s Leaf and General Motors Co. Chevy Volt, has far outpaced their sales.

Why Cars Are Getting Geekier

Oddly, two American manufacturers who have received massive federal financial support: Tesla and Fisker did not exhibit their wares at Plug-In 2011.

Michael Carmichael: Plug-In 2011: Rising Tide for Electric Cars

All the cars that I drove at Plug-In 2011 were competent in urban traffic around the Raleigh Convention Center.

Michael Carmichael: Plug-In 2011: Rising Tide for Electric Cars

In fact, many attending Plug-In 2011 were impressed with the latest development of the plug-in concept: hands free charging by wireless connection.

Michael Carmichael: Plug-In 2011: Rising Tide for Electric Cars