[Number 3]

First, yes I've driven many of the Hybrids on the market and have even had the chance to drive the new Chevrolet Volt, which, by the way, should be going to dealers next month.

Yes, they get very good mileage. Most Hybrids get close to "sqare" milage, meaning the city and highway numbers are nearly equal. This is because a Hybrid only has battery power sufficient for up to about 25 mph, slow acceleration, no hill or grade climbing. Once you do these the engine is required. On the highway, the engine is required and the electric motors only provide supplemental power. So the advantage is mostly around town, but both are improved.

This is one of the advantages the Volt has over a conventional Hybrid. It can be drven as a pure EV. You can climb grades, go on the highway, etc. all on the battery and electric motor.

The only concerns regarding Hybrids are around the battery. Yes, GM and Nissan have given generous warranties on the battery. But every Hybrid or EV has at least a 100 pound or in the EV case 400 pound battery. Unless there is a real recycling process in place, where will all these batteries go? Today, a VERY small percentage of the market is Hybrids. Once CAFE hits in the out years, you will likely see that go up. The other is simply the cost of the battery and the thermal management of the battery. It adds huge $$$ to the costs. It can be the equivalent of replacing an engine.

But the Hybrids I've driven, it's basically invisible. You hear the engine start but you don't feel it. Essentially seemless.

I'm not a hater, btw, just a realist. Tired the "organization of concerned scientists" or whatever that claim it's the greatest thing ever. I'll say it's pretty cool, as long as you are willing to pay much more money for your car.

Also, keep in mind the europeans have diesels that rival gas powered Hybrids. So for them, to add the costs associated with a Hybrid, is not as financially viable.

Depending on how much you add to the costs, there is simply the emotional aspects of using less fuel. It is the equivalent in some circles to the guys that want every single HP they can get from their Camaro. The price of gas, I think, needs to be over $4 per gallon to get any kind of payback for the added costs.

The added costs are that every function on you Hybrid has to work electrically. The power steering and brakes for example now have to be electric.