But before any battery cost/performance/weight breakthrough comes along, there are some events that could change the picture. Those who recall the seventies remember the very high gas prices but also remember something that has not happened to us today (yet): The unavailability of gasoline. Mile-long gas lines, riots.

Should the availability of gasoline again become insufficient and remain insufficient, all the consumers’ economic arguments for rational price thresholds go out the window. $40k would look like a steal for a useable plug-in.

Until then, part of the indirect value of a plug-in is insurance. You are buying a means for short, emergency trips in case gasoline becomes difficult or impossible to obtain. As this threat becomes more real, the market will reflect it and seeing the new market, manufacturers will be able to respond with much more capable but very high priced plug-in cars – without losing their shirts. Today of course, those prices would not fly.

If this happens then, long term the large new high priced market would drive technology. If it’s in the cards, advances would be made and prices would gradually come down.

There’s no gas like no gas.

Look GM, 40K is just stupid. Unless you are a movie star or flat-out rich that ain’t gonna fly. I want to help the planet and save money at the pump, but it isn’t financially feasible for most people. If 40K is the only way GM can get this car to market, then GM has FAILED! What happened to American ingenuity?

If the Volt is released at 40K, ten years later GM will be wondering why nobody wanted an electric automobile. Ummmmm– few people can afford 40K?

I was really jazzed when I saw the prototype and initial specs and cost. But I’m becoming rather disappointed when I see where things appear to be headed. My experience leads me to believe that if GM is saying under 40K now, it will be 45-50K at release.