Too bad the gasoline engine is so inefficient, too. The combustion process is extremely inefficient. Maybe improving its efficiency is the solution. Although, there basic thermodynamic laws that can't be broken.
Electric cars use the same process for recovering the otherwise wasted energy. HOWEVER, their original source of power is from the power plant which is powered by coal, nat gas, nukes, hydro....
Plus all electrics can be less reliable — as you mention. I'd prefer to get less gas mileage and get to where I am going versus the car running out of juice before I get to my destination.
The key is to improve battery technology.
Another thing that proponents of all electric vehicles fail to mention - the current power grid cannot support electric cars (if a large percentage of folks buy one). Ironically, the feds, Democrats are killing off viable sources of power all in the name of being green. The power supply is being slowly choked off. And no, wind and solar are not viable alternatives.
Not all of them are. How about a 2L 4cyl putting out 300HP?
Too much? Use a smaller engine...How about a 500cc turbo, running at its optimal efficiency RPM, and running a big-@$$ alternator? When no juice is needed, it shuts itself off.
Add a couple (or four) deep discharge batteries, and the typical hybrid drive-motor set-up. The main differences being the smaller more powerful turbo engine, and the readily available car-parts store batteries.
I believe the big discovery in hybrid-car technology, is eliminating the transmission, and replacing it with an electric motor....NOT the rest of the hype.