We will need a variety of solutions to meet the needs of different drivers. Battery electric vehicles are definitely not for everyone with their limited range although they can work for many people. One British owner of a +Nissan Leaf was clearly on the edge of the useful operating range of the plug-in only car and got himself stranded twice and nearly stuck on several other occasions.
For this particular driver an extended range electric vehicle like the Vauxhall Ampera made more sense by providing electric-only driving range with a backup engine in case the battery couldn't make it.
For other drivers, a plug-in power-split hybrid like the new Pruis PHV, Ford C-Max Energi or Fusion Energi or even smaller more efficient gas or diesel engines could be a better option depending on where they drive and how far. Someday even hydrogen fuel cells will probably be part of the mix. It's all about the Power of Choice
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Like The Plug, Not The Range: Leaf Owner Trades In For Volt (Ampera)
When the 2011 Nissan Leaf launched at the end of 2010, many environmentally-conscious drivers took the plunge and decided to buy one, hoping to leave gasoline behind for good. For the majority of Leaf…
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The Volt is an excellent form of compromise, but it takes space, weight and costs money. I think the BMW i3 in its second "limpmobile" variant (with the 1 cylinder motorcycle engine and 2-3 gallon tank all in a tiny package in the back) will be other interesting configuration in the market. I haven't seen much data about it, though.
To be honest, unless you never leave the city (and they're up-to-date), an E-REV is always better than an EV.
+Michael Gooderham While I agree in general, especially considering it's easier to sell an EREV to the average person, I think it depends. For example, in a stable 2+ car household you could have one EREV for flexibility (long trips, power outage immunity), and the other car could be an EV for a bigger battery pack for slightly less money.