Genie, Who would be willing to put those cars out on the road? I think that if there were a coalition of people, or groups, that otherwise pitch their money into the trying to compete with the Big Oil companies could do this. Like I said, if you came up with the figures to show how much it does improve peoples quality of life, then you have a weapon to use. Find out who holds the patents on these things and advertise what holds them back. Let people know and you have a huge backing, complain to a few senators and they don't care. You get their voters behind something, you will get more done.

Just a thought.

As far as middle income easily being able to afford it.... I must not be middle, I have to be low end then. I know full well I cannot afford it. I have looked into it before, and it is not cheap enough to be viable for me at this time.