Ever since the untimely death of General Motor’s EV1 early this decade, the mass production of electric vehicles has stalled. While nearly every automaker has dabbled in electric-powered cars, few have put forth the effort required for wide-spread adoption. That all will change in the next few years as companies such as Nissan are developing the newest generation of electric vehicles. Electric propulsion is starting to make a comeback in the United States, and the Emerald City is leading the way.

While not the only one in production, the Nissan Leaf will be one of the few electric cars made by a major automaker. Planned for release in 2010, the Leaf has overcome many of the downsides of previous electric vehicles. Its lithium ion batteries give the car a 100-mile range, and it can be charged to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes. The five-door, hatchback design gives it an appeal to people who would not necessarily consider buying an electric car.

However, mass-producing electric vehicles only solves part of the problem. One of the biggest barriers for electric vehicles is the lack of charging infrastructure. While gas stations are plentiful, recharging locations are sparse and not readily identifiable. That is changing in Seattle as the city plans to install 2,500 new charging stations. In addition to standardization efforts within the industry, vehicle-charging will become much easier for electric-car owners.

This development is part of a larger partnership between Seattle and Nissan to bring electric vehicles to Puget Sound. Seattle is no stranger to early adoption of green technology. Neighborhood electric vehicles which have a range of about 30 miles and cannot go over 35 miles per gallon are a common sight around the city. Some of the first hybrid cars were sold in Seattle. Our dense urban environment and previous experience with electric vehicles will help make the current venture more successful.

The state has also provided a sales-tax waiver for new electric vehicles purchased within the next two years. Combined with federal tax credits, these incentives will help spur electric-car sales to speed the transition to a fossil-fuel-free transportation system.

Seattle also stands to achieve the greatest environmental benefit from switching to electric cars. While these vehicles are advertised as “zero emission,” electricity production still involves environmental impacts. While most of the country derives its power from fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas, Washington state produces the majority of its electricity from renewable sources. More than 90 percent of Seattle City Light’s electricity is from hydroelectric power. This means that a switch from gasoline to electric vehicles in Seattle will reduce rather than shift the overall pollution of the region.

Combined with $2.4 billion in stimulus grants, electric-vehicle research and production is at an all-time high. Battery technology is improving, charging infrastructure is being built, and major automakers are mass-producing electric vehicles. While it has taken a while, the electric-car revolution is finally here.

Reach columnist Mike Noon at opinion@dailyuw.com.