Electric cars become tougher to sell

The glow appears to be wearing off electric cars.

The percentage of buyers willing to consider an all-electric model has deteriorated since January from a bit over 5% to about 4.5% as of last month, CNW Research says. That might not sound like much until you consider it translates into 25,000 to 40,000 potential sales a year.

The other bad news for electric car fans is that buyers say they aren't willing to pay more than $800 for an electric car compared to a conventional car. In January, it was $850, CNW says.

Possible lowered interest in electrics come as a raft of them from major makers are hitting the market. The electric Ford Focus and Honda Fit are just two that come to mind, and the Mitsubishi i and Tesla Model S are just getting started.

CNW points out the lack of interest can only grow with falling gas prices. Nissan will make its Leaf in the U.S. starting later this year, creating much larger volumes that will have be sold. CNW asks: "Is it any wonder that EV makers are promoting their vehicles to fleet and commercial and small-business owners?"