I believe we're going to see some massive changes in the electric car market in the next 5-7 years, among them range, cost and practicality. Which got me to thinking, are plug-in hybrids by definition just compliance cars? After all, aside from the Volt, almost none of them have a range longer than about 20 miles. Once they deplete the electric charge, they're essentially just hybrids or ICE vehicles, and usually less efficient than their non-plugin equivalents in that mode.
Are they being built just to satisfy government regulations until battery technologies support ranges of more than 200 miles in affordable, mainstream electrics? Personally, I don't see a very compelling reason to buy any PHEV right now other than possibly the Volt. They're heavier than their ICE or hybrid equivalents, usually have a smaller cargo and/or passenger area, and as noted, after the charge is depleted, usually less efficient than their conventional hybrid equivalent. What do you all think?
Are they being built just to satisfy government regulations until battery technologies support ranges of more than 200 miles in affordable, mainstream electrics? Personally, I don't see a very compelling reason to buy any PHEV right now other than possibly the Volt. They're heavier than their ICE or hybrid equivalents, usually have a smaller cargo and/or passenger area, and as noted, after the charge is depleted, usually less efficient than their conventional hybrid equivalent. What do you all think?