[antiRepublicrat]

The Volt is NOT a green car because it uses electricity generated by burning coal/oil/nat gas/nuclear

From an environmental perspective, I still like electrics where there is fossil fuel generation because it is generated at a level much more efficient than a car engine. There's some loss over transmission, and then the electric motors are 90+ percent efficient, still much better than a gasoline engine. Plus, pollution from the power generation doesn't end up at street level in the city.

I'm a perfect candidate for a Nissan Leaf with my short commute. I might even think of getting one after the second generation (not going to buy first). For the financials, it's not only that gas is effectively cheaper, remember for a pure electric there are also no oil changes, transmission fluid changes, clutches, etc., and brake changes will be few and far between with the regenerative braking. Nice and simple setup with a pure electric, little maintenance should be required.

But hybrids? No thanks. That much added weight and complexity for a little fuel savings doesn't look like a good idea.

[Myrddin]

I saw a Leaf pulled up to the front of the Fry's Electronics in San Diego. Plugged into a socket. The owner was compelled to hang around for a few hours as a hostage waiting for his Leaf to be charged enough to leave the store. When it was sufficiently charged, he pulled the charger and hunted down his wife and daughter so they could leave. I'm pretty sure the connection to Fry's power socket was done without permission. The slug even left the weatherproof cover open as he slinked away in his plug-in. Thief.

I've seen a few Leaf's driving around San Diego. Only 2 Volt's thus far.

[entropy12]

That is not how I understand the Volt. It has a gasoline engine also after the battery dies, so you may still need tune ups and oil changes.

[entropy12]

I am not familiar with Nissan Leaf. If it is a pure electric, with no gasoline backup, then of course you are right...mechanically it is a simpler design.