I've always been highly skeptical of the Better Place model of swapping EV batteries. Unless automakers would be willing to standardize battery pack formats, there is no way that a swapping system could be financially or logistically viable. 

Unfortunately for Better Place, lithium ion battery technology is still very early and rapidly evolving. There are a wide variety of chemistries, air cooled and liquid cooled, and of course everyone has a different size pack. Someday this may be practical but it seems unlikely. 

For the first time since 1986, GM will be offering American customers a passenger car powered by a diesel engine. Will Americans be willing to pay a $2,000+ premium for this fuel efficient power option? Unlike Volkswagen which offers the Jetta TDI with the mid-level SE trim starting at $23,000, Chevrolet is only offering its new engine on a loaded Cruze with leather interior starting at $25,700.

This will prove to be very interesting to watch over the next year or two.