The initial cost of the vehicle is higher. Also, when you factor in the cost of a replacement battery (5-7 years) at a cost of about $5,000 (about $1000 per year - which pays for a lot of gasoline), I'm not sure if it makes any economical sense at all. You can expect Insurance Rates (Collision) to go up once the companies start to pay for replacement batteries damaged in a crash.
Finally, I agree with Richard. The Federal Government could mandate that all gasoline include at least 15% ethanol. This would have an immediate effect on our demand for oil; oil prices would drop to offset the increased costs of making ethanol. Brazil did it and is one of the few countries in the world today who could declare energy independence.
Alan
So far, I still see that hybrid cars receptions are still rather muted
>or muzzled. I notice that people buy them just to show off, or just to
>make statement that they are not gas guzzlers. Is this true? Would
>like to hear some opinion and discussion.