Reality check: Hybrid or all-electric?: "According to Brady, two of the changes are cost and driving range. Chevrolet is estimating the cost of the Volt at around $40,000, almost twice as much as the least expensive Prius. Some analysts say the fuel savings never will be enough to pay for the high sticker price, especially if gasoline prices stay relatively low.
The Prius uses nickel-metal-hydride batteries, a technology that’s been around for many years. Much of the higher cost of the Volt is to pay for its next-generation lithium-ion batteries. “Li-ion” batteries have many advantages, including being smaller and lighter. But they also cost four to five times as much.
Only one li-ion-powered car is sold in America – the Tesla Roadster, a plug-in rechargeable electric sports car. Although it doesn’t use any gasoline, the Tesla Roadster costs more that $100,000 and carries only two passengers.
Nissan officials haven’t announced prices for the Leaf but are saying it will be affordable. They face the same challenge as Chevrolet, though, because the Leaf also will be powered by li-ion batteries.
Then there is the psychological barrier. The Volt is supposed to travel 40 miles between charges, the Leaf more than twice that. Both distances are more than most people travel in a day, theoretically making them practical cars. But what about emergencies or additional daily trips? Buyers could fear being stranded by a dead battery."
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