A small note of concern I have had about some of the greener electric cars is the environmental impact of their batteries, both construction and disposal. And if I'm to be even handed, that concern has to extend to my notebook, mobile phone, PDA, in fact just about anything with batteries.

This hasn't really been eased by a story on EcoGeek about where the lithium used in most modern batteries actually come from.

South America is the answer, and it would appear at some considerable environmental cost. Oh, and the supplies are limited. I'm suggesting a panic buy of batteries but demand could far outstrip supply if electric cars really take off.

I don't really know what I can do about this but I think I will start taking better care of my batteries and make sure they go in the proper recycling bins (at the local tip) when I'm done with them.