"Given the upfront cost differential between a hybrid and a gasoline powered auto, that difference could easily eliminate any financial advantage to owning a hybrid."
I have a problem with hybrids ever since I heard that emergency responders won't cut you out of a pin-in collision for fear of fire or electrocution.
I have yet to hear of a
single case of injury to a rescuer due to the high voltage element in a hybrid car.
Some "professional" fire types can be real weenies. I speak from experience, having been associated with a Fire District for a dozen years or so.
The horror of THE BATTERY is another red herring; A hundred and a half or so sealed "D" cells can hardly be placed in the same category as a tanker truck hauling nitro.