Originally Posted By: cousincletus
Although it's a better idea than the Prius, the cost needs to be able to compete w/the Pruis.
But how you you define "better"? I think the Volt's series hyb drive system is intriguing and the concept has great potential, but there is one big "but" that for now would knock it out of the running for me, and it isn't price.
In particular, I'm ultra disappointed that they couldn't package and install the battery so as to save the middle rear seat. As a four-seater, the car is just not in the running for me. I realize that the Volt's design demands a large battery, but I really wish they'd hid the batt somewhere else.
By contrast, the Prius (more so than the other more conventional Toyota/Lex hybrids) with its small battery tucked under the cargo area, and its hatchback configuration is a five-passenger car that can move cargo too. Of course, if the Prius engineers had had to deal with a series-hyb size batt, they'd have to have put it somewhere too.
Another question I have is what impact the plug-in charging will have on one's electric bill, and how that will factor in with total driving cost. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.