Raleigh's new public charging stations for electric cars are a sign that the city will be ready for its share of new cars that don't need petroleum.  (See today's Road Worrier column.)

Volt, Leaf and Focus Electric drivers will be doing most of their charging at home.

But if they need the security of a charging station downtown, a place to top off the battery, they'll have a few dozen options.

The first two stations are installed on West Hargett Street -- where you pay to park but not, for now, to recharge your battery.