Reply #22: I haven't read all the posts here,

[gateley]

but essentially I agree with the OP.

It's been frustrating to me that the talk is of hybrids and getting better mpg by the year 2015, or whatever they're saying.

Tesla's first roadster is hitting the streets this month. Yes, it's a $100,000 car but I think their marketing and business strategies are spot on. Catch peoples' attention with such a beautiful vehicle, which gets about 200 miles per charge, 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, and they've mostly been purchased by high profile people. A good initial step in showing people that electric CAN work, and work well. Their next step, with the revenue, is to manufacture a sedan (by 2010, I think) which is still pricey, but more affordable - $40,000+ range, I think. Next, a more affordable model for the rest of us.

I know Biden introduced (and got approval) for funding into R&D of lithium ion batteries. That, and other types of alternative energy seem to be getting more funding these days, so we're headed in the right direction.

And if there is a better alternative than electric, bring it on!

I'm with Steve (Hillary supporter) - bottom line is we have to move past the internal combustion engine.