I feel like there is a parallel to the early 70s here...I was not born yet, but my understanding is that the government mandated emissions/mpg and safety regulations that were not possible to meet with the technology of the time. The result was 10 years of crappy cars but it forced manufacturers to develop modern style fuel injection, better brake technology, more efficient engines, safer cars, etc. The manufacturers are being forced to develop these EVs right now and they are kind of like those forgettable econoboxes (remember the chevy chevette!) from the 70s. I would shy away from buying one until they get the bugs worked out - the fact that they can't drive in freezing weather, battery life is question, charge rates are variable and inconsistent, etc. I think once battery technology levels out and battery reconditioning/rebuilding becomes affordable and more universal EV ownership will be more practical.