Spurred on by the California center for sustainable energy, San Diego is not only America’s top solar city, but also a leader in promoting the viability of electric cars. The Nissan Leaf EV, Smart Electric Drive, Chevy Volt, as well as herds of hybrids, seem to be taking over the streets. And, here’s a green factoid: one-third of all San Diego Leaf owners also have solar-powered homes.

Charging stations are springing up all over, from public parking lots to San Diegoians’ favorite fast foods stops.

MIKE FERRY:  Well people should know that this region is committed to making electric vehicles a practical alternative for all kinds of drivers.  

By year’s end, over 1200 plug in electrics will ply the area’s streets, displacing over 360,000 gallons of gasoline per year. While that won’t make gas stations a thing of the past right away, it does make America’s finest city an even more delightful place to live, work, and play.