2011 Nissan LEAF

The Japanese love vending machines. As of 2008, there were 5.5 million of them across the country selling everything from candy bars and soda, to cars. In the works right now, is a plan that will put in place 10,000 vending machines by this time next year, that will charge electric cars.

This is a bold move, seeing as how even in Japan, electric car technology is seen as something far off from a sure bet. Although attaching charging infrastructure to a beloved national institution is a surefire way to make sure it catches on.

Charging infrastructure is still a major concern for market analysts, who are constantly bringing up the issue of range anxiety. Such a widespread implementation would be a step forward toward alleviating such concerns.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Treehugger