The hybrid car is not new - Ferdinand Porsche designed the series-hybrid vehicle in 1898. Called the Lohner-Porsche carriage, the hybrid function served as an electrical transmission rather than power boost. With Mr. Porsche in the driver's seat, the car broke several Austrian speed records, including the Exelberg Rally in 1901. Another example of an early hybrid was the 1915 Woods Motor Vehicle built in Chicago. The car used a four-cylinder internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Below 15 mph (25 km/h), the electric motor propelled the vehicle; at higher speeds, the gasoline engine kicked in to take the vehicle up to a top speed of 35 mph (55 km/h)
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/are_hybrid_cars_here_to_stay
In a few years from now we will as well produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels from carbon dioxide + carbon (coal) + water and heat from nuclear power plants at low costs
Nuclear power is the most reasonable alternative, Jane Fonda’s China Syndrome hype notwithstanding.