Hi Galenkp,
Unfortunately, as much as we are globally trying to inculcate a rapid transition to plug-in electric vehicles, I don't even see its applicability in cities today.
How many charging stations would be necessary for a large city?
Are the electrical infrastructures in many of the countries prepared with the current energy crises to supply the huge demand that would exist with only 50% of the current car fleet demanding electric power?
I agree that it is necessary to reduce emissions that harm the environment, but like any transition it must be orderly and well thought out without causing other major crises.
I remember the diesel boom that was the salvation of the environment and now it is the great reviled for the greenhouse gases that are emitted.
In short, economic and political powers pulling our strings like puppets.
With that said, I would currently buy a petrol combustion car with a non-plug-in hybrid engine and the most efficient cars I have seen in technical specifications are Japanese cars such as Honda and Toyota.
I totally agree with all you say, and for the same reasons. I think it's politically correct to up-talknthe PHEV and EV scenario, but in reality, it's. It overly practical for infrastructure and cost reasons. Of course, mass-adoption will take care of cost, generally, but mass adoption is a mong way off.
I drive a hybrid as my company car and it's the best option currently in my belief.