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...just because I feel like stirring the pot of controversy...
That gas tank looks HUGE!
...but on a serious note, if I won one and wasn't able to take the cash instead, I would probably keep a gallon in there with fuel stabilizer just in case I get a case of the 'maintenance mode' anxiety and drive my Insight when I think I might do the 'price is right' on the electric range.
I pick on this car too much, I don't think its so bad for someone who would primarily drive it within its EV range. I don't mind owning two cars though and somewhere in the 100 mile range for an EV wouldn't be bad and could probably live with as little as 80 miles of real world range with maybe taking a car 10 times between 80 and 120 miles. I guess what I'm saying is, "range anxiety" is a joke because if you plan with a 20% buffer(it's better for your batteries too) and don't drive like an idiot on a longer trip, you'll know you are good. I don't really mind living with two cars though to allow for a trip over say 80 miles leaving a 20% buffer. I own both of my current cars for $35 tabs yearly(each) and insurance for two cars according to my insurance agent should drop to the $600/year range(bottom $700's/year now for both together) next year after their '1st year let's make sure this guy doesn't crash on his new policy' period. I don't see an issue with owning two cars but then again it's incredibly cheap to own a 10 year old car in Minnesota, especially with no emissions testing and a flat sales tax and flat license plate tab fee.
I'm still not sure which used mainstream electric car I'll buy in 10 years but it will mostly be a pure look at the forums to develop perceived battery and other component lifetimes, risk factors, and which one people are scared enough of to allow its price to drop into the hole without it actually being a reliability issue causing its low perceived market value. ...then again GM is betting on a high resale value for its cheap lease rate. I have a feeling that is part of the plan, produce small quantities lease heavily and have higher resale value due to demand because you never really built and released that many to begin with. ...but then again I'll have the money to convert an Insight with its lightweight, aerodynamics, and rust-proof body that I can get for peanuts from the dumb-dumb who is scared of his battery failing or doesn't know how to deal with the failure at the 15 year mark. I've already seen one in otherwise perfect condition sans good battery for $2500. If I were to spend even $25k, subtract $2500 from available funds for the body, with $22500 I could have a super efficient performance monster that will never rust and since I built it, would know exactly how to fix anything that goes wrong. ...I can't stop myself from getting talked into this. I'll stop now as I realize I'm getting off topic. The Volt is a decent car though, it's at least a step in the right direction and hopefully moreso towards the market getting interested in getting into an EV.
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