The hybrid vehicle is the only vehicle that gives the best of both worlds:the gas can be used on long distance trips and you can drive it like a regular car and for in town and round-about trips, you would drive it like an electric car, saving on gas.
The Toyota Prius has proven such a vehicle has a market. Its already produced.
I love it that my 30 year old diesel VW Rabbit pickup gets better highway mileage than the Prius. It did cost me a pretty penny, though - $2500 five years ago.
Driving from Salt Lake City to LasVegas, after a hundred miles or so, eighteen wheelers pass Prius going up hills.
The Prius goes up the hills about 35 MPH.
I guess a regular car can go that slow if you have the patience.