[porwolf]

Exactly why these battery electric or big battery hybrids don't make sense, environmentally and otherwise. Besides the whole electrical charging situation has not been worked out yet, if it ever will. Electric energy is not free either and produced largely by burning hydrocarbons. Then about 30% is lost in the power transmission lines. Especially if they are long distance.

A better solution would be diesel-electric cars. A small battery would store peak power and braking energy. Electric motors are made for high torque at any speed, especially at low RPM's. And they don't need transmissions. The diesel engine would charge the battery at constant speed, in it's most efficient and least polluting mode of operation. A standard tank can be charged in minutes and would hold plenty of fuel. Diesel fuel supply systems are in place and proven.