Californian Michael Schwabe said goodbye to the gas pump two years ago when he leased an e

lectric car. Schwabe says 【C1】______ he gets out of driving electric is more than just a charge. "With the price of gasoline and with the problems of clean air it's important we get electric vehicles out on the road."

On California roads there are about two thousand electric cars. By 2003, ten percent of all new cars may be required to have zero emissions. This mandate automakers say is way ahead 【C2】______ its time.

Gloria Bergquist of the Alliance of Auto Manufacturers says, "The technology isn't here yet; it still needs advancement 【C3】______ driving range to make it more appealing to a wider consumer audience".

Automakers blame it 【C4】______ the batteries. Power runs out on most (cars) after about 70 miles, although some can now go more than 100 miles on a charge. Batteries are expensive and carmakers say there is nothing they can do about it.

Now car manufacturers want the California Air Resources Board to relax the 10 percent mandate. 【C5】______ not, they say people won't be able to afford electric cars that aren't heavily subsidized.

Dave Hermance of Toyota Motors says, "In 2003, a highway electric vehicle will be 20 thousand dollars more than a gasoline vehicle."

The state of California demanded tough restrictions on emissions in 1990. Twice since then, the state relaxed regulations 【C6】______ automakers complained they couldn't meet the requirements.

Tim Carmichael of the Clean Air Coalition says, "The automakers have not built a vehicle 【C7】______ required to do so, 【C8】______ it's very important 【C9】______ the state to stay committed to this program requiring automakers to build small amounts in beginning years and then the market will take off".

Michael Schwabe believes other drivers would take off in electric cars 【C10】______ only carmakers would make them available.

【C1】______