The long-heralded dawn of the all-electric car in the United States is finally here. Over the next few years, major auto companies and small car makers alike will be introducing new vehicles powered purely by electrons rather than fossil fuels.

The rise of hybrid vehicles has helped prepare the American market for electric cars . Hybrids, which use a combo of gasoline and electricity, have made inroads over the last decade and now make up about two-and-a-half percent of the U.S. auto market, according to the HybridCars.com Market Dashboard.

But other than rare sightings of the $109,000 Tesla Roadster sports car, introduced in 2008, and some fleet vehicles, the national roadways have been almost entirely devoid of all-electric vehicles.

With growing angst over gasoline prices, pollution and climate change – plus a boost from the federal government – the stage is now set for new vehicles that will never grace a gas pump.

The surging green zeitgeist of the last few decades would seem to favor the eventual establishment of electric vehicles domestically. To promote their development and adoption, the Obama administration has pledged $2.4 billion for research, and has extended tax credits ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 for plug-in electric vehicles.

Here, then, are 10 all-electric vehicles slated for sale in the next few years that will likely change the way many of us fuel our everyday transportation.

Zap: 10 All-Electric Vehicles Gearing Up to Hit the Streets