A smaller yet sufficient ICE functioning as a generator to keep batteries charged (and passengers heated) after the grid-supplied power has been depleted would be less expensive, less gasoline-consuming, and less polluting. For a significant share of the new car market, less has already become the new more. […] With a year and a half wait time for a Smart car at one California Smart dealer, the writing may be on the wall.

Hippie vans and plug-in hybrids – AutoblogGreen