From the Brainroom: Electric Cars

In an electric car, high performance batteries store electricity, and an electric motor provides propulsion with zero emissions.

Electric cars require no oil changes or tune ups.

Electric cars have fewer than 1/10th as many parts as a gas car.

Electric cars can usually be charged in ones garage overnight.

Electric cars have no engine, no gas tank, and no transmission.

GM plans to launch Chevy Volt Electric Car by the end of 2010.

Ford plans to seell 3 passenger electric vehicles in 2011.

Projection: Plug-in car sales will hit 4 mil in 2020.

Projection: Plug-in cars will account for more than 20 percent of new cars sold in 2020.

Facts on Tesla's Model S, all-electric car:

Entrepreneur Elon Musk is the South Africa-born co-founder of PayPal and the owner of Tesla Motors.

Tesla's all-electric Model S was unveiled on March 26, 2009.

Tesla's Model S is a four-door sedan with an optional third set of seats that can boost capacity to seven people.

Tesla's Model S is 196 inches long, 5 inches longer than a Honda Accord.

The Model S claims a 300-mile range and fast-charging technology that can have it ready to roll again in 45 minutes.

Model S battery packs will be easier to remove, so long-distance drivers may one day be able to stop at repair shops and borrow a fully charged pack.

The Model S won't be available until 2011.

Tesla is taking deposits now on the cars, which will cost $49,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles.