From Staff Reports

Asheville, which has been designated as a potential electric car “hot spot” for the future, is gearing up for their arrival next summer by installing 25 charging stations in the metropolitan area next year.

The project is being financed by a $500,000 federal stimulus grant.

In addition, the permitting process for installing charging stations at residences has been simplified by the city.

Asheville is one of a handful of North Carolina cities where electric cars, which are expected to reach the area in mid- to late 2011, will be enthusiastically accepted, according to utility companies and car dealers.

The hot-spot designation is based on the likelihood of electric vehicle clusters will proliferate, spurred by generous subsidies offered by states and localities. Other factors for hot-ratings include mild weather, as well as the demographics — a sizeable number of high-income residents and environmentally conscious commuters.

Asheville and Western North Carolina may benefit from the surge in interest in electric cars, as Cleveland-based Eaton Corp. is making electrical charging stations nearby — at its Arden plant. Eaton already has installed chargers in Raleigh and reportedly has signed contract to place them in at least six cities in South Carolina.

Such a large number of local people have signed up for Nissan’s newsletters about its new electric vehicle, Leaf, it makes Asheville eligible for the second phase of the car’s deliveries in 2011.