Just a few weeks after Nissan unveiled its latest electric offering - the LEAF, Honda has announced plans to develop an electric car that will debut in 2015. Not much was released about the vehicle, except for the fact that it's expected to be about the size of a minicar.

Certainly we're happy to see Honda joining the race to electrify our vehicles - but could they be showing up to this party a little late? After all, we'll see the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf next year. And if price isn't an issue, you can purchase a Tesla Roadster today.

Ford will also have its first electric vehicle ready for the roads in 2010, and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV will likely be here by 2012. There are a number of other electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles expected to hit the market between now and 2012 too. Some from small start-ups and others rumored to be coming from other major automakers. Either way, it is clear that most automakers know the future of personal transportation will include electric vehicles. The only question now is who will take the early lead?

Jeff