Electric car fans love the fact that gas stations are everywhere. It gives them plenty of chances to thumb their noses as they glide past in silence. They may enjoy their smug little ritual, but they're in the minority. The fact is, electric cars aren't very realistic for most people. They may get you to work and help you run a few errands, but their limited range means keeping a second gas-powered car around just in case.
The answer to this problem? Plug-in hybrids like the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and 2010 Toyota Prius PHV (plug-in hybrid vehicle). They combine two systems into one. They'll run on electricity when they can get it and keep on truckin' on gasoline, sans leash, when the batteries are spent.
But we must warn you; it takes more than the usual number-crunching to sort out what's what. When it comes to comparing plug-in hybrids like the Volt and the plug-in Prius, you can't merely focus on the gasoline side and assume the electricity is free.
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