An Idaho National Laboratory study has found that the availability of charging stations is key to whether electric vehicles become widespread and reduce the country’s gas consumption, the Idaho Falls Post Register reports. The research, conducted for the U.S. Department of Energy, found that charging stations should be in places where vehicles spend long periods parked, including homes and workplaces, as opposed to where gas stations are. It also found that home charging stations could be made more efficient and cost effective, such as having owners charge during off-peak hours.

"Widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles has the potential to significantly reduce our nation's transportation petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," INL researchers wrote. You can read the full story here from the Post Register and the Associated Press.