Almost every electric car sold today can charge at a rate of at least 50 kW, while many operate at 100 kW or more, and some are even capable of over 300 kW. Plug into an equally powerful charger (the most powerful public chargers currently work at up to 350 kW), and your battery will fill up far more quickly than when using a less powerful charger.

Fewer people will be able to afford electric cars and trucks if President-elect Donald J. Trump and Republicans in Congress eliminate a $7,500 federal tax credit.

Manufacturers argue that demand for electric cars has not been as high as was expected when the rules were drawn up. As a result, to avoid fines, they say they are having to discount new vehicles heavily, or subsidise rivals that build electric cars only, none of whom have a manufacturing base in the UK.