[aerohead]

It's a good question,but may not be germane when comparing to a plug-in EV.
*The Metro has smaller frontal area but higher Cd,giving the Prius perhaps a 9% aero advantage.
*The Metro's lighter curb weight is offset by the Prius' LRR tires.
*On the highway,at posted speed limits,the road load of the Prius would be lower than the Metro.
*Claiming twice the efficiency of the Prius at 75-mph is going to require some remarkable prima facie evidence.
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*If say we're using coal-produced electricity,the thermal efficiency of the electric car at the traction wheel may be around 31.5% (generating loss,transmission loss,charger loss,battery loss,controller loss,motor loss).
*Toyota's engines are capable of thermal efficiencies in the 40% range (just like the coal-fired generating station),and with the CVT transmission,would come in at 35% thermal efficiency.So in effect,the Prius uses it's energy more efficiently in highway driving (which is under discussion).
*On a Btu basis,the hybrid has the edge.
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I don't own a Prius.I have no attachment to them.Friends and neighbors do own them.
*They're a manufactured vehicle,we don't have to make them.
*$20,365 ,not $65,000 (estimated cost of the MetroEV)
*You can just put a down payment on one and drive it away,or lease.
*They seat five.
*5-Star crash rating
*Okay ride
*Pretty okay mpg (Gary has averaged 47.5 mpg over 2-years now)
*Unlimited range at up to 85-mph cruising
*Dealer network
*Parts and service
*Financing
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They're not a perfect car,but they were the PNGV car that America refused to build after taking hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars during Clinton's presidency.They use 1972 TRW technology which was completely disrespected in its home country.
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Perhaps some of the Prius owners shouldn't have a drivers license,but I don't think that's the fault of Toyota.Maybe the DMV is due for some introspection.