Rising gas prices, tax breaks boost electric cars, but charging a hassle

LEIPZIG, Germany - At the BMW auto factory in Leipzig, Germany, workers in dark blue overalls are busy putting together i3 compact electric cars and i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupes, as the plant ramps up production to meet greater global demand.

"We do think the curve is going up," said Michael Blabst, plant spokesman, speaking to reporters attending the International Transport Forum last month. He said that by 2025, 10 to 25 percent of BMW's production will be electric and hybrid.

Emission regulations, gas prices and concerns about climate change are driving the appeal of electric cars worldwide. The biggest market now is China, but electrics are also slowly gaining in popularity in the United States, particularly California, where the mild climate