For all their promise, electric cars have always had a big drawback: Charging takes much longer than filling up a gas tank. But the gap has been closing, and this week, Chinese battery giant CATL announced battery technology nearing parity . On Tuesday, the company said its third-generation Shenxing fast-charging battery goes from 10 percent to 98 percent charged in 6 minutes and 27 seconds. If you're driving an electric car around town, charging is a breeze. You probably don't have to do it more than a couple times a month. And when you do, you can plug your car in overnight at home. For longer trips, you'll need a charging station. Smartphone apps can help, and drivers learn to plan ahead, but it's still a pain. Stations aren't abundant, and when you find one, there may be a line. A full charge will then take the better part of an hour. Most people aim for 80 percent, but even that consumes up to a half hour. EV fans may find it's worth the trouble, but range is a sticking point for many drivers.…