[MRM]

It's not just that gasoline has a lot of energy in it, it's that it is so easy to convert the mass of one gallon of gas into energy. And that the engine necessary to convert the fuel to energy is so simple and durable. And that petrolium-based fuels are easy to store and transport, the raw material is relatively abundant and easy to obtain, refine and distribute. And that there is nothing else on the horizon that comes close to the cost efficiency of good old fashioned petrolium-based fuels.

We can work on the margins and increase efficiencies with turbo diesels, lighter weight cars, more efficient engines, etc., but we cannot end our use of oil in favor of any other fuel without some brand new (and so far unknown) technology coming on line. Eventually, as oil becomes more expensive, the cost of gas and diesel will rise while new technologies bring down the cost of alternatives, which should make alternatives economically viable. Unless someone finds a huge new source of petroleum in something like shale and develops a more efficient method of extraction, doubling the world's known reserves of petroleum and reducing the cost of extraction.

In which case the Volt will be returned to the same shelf on which the Stanley Steamer sits.