DaimlerChrysler has been late to the hybrid electric car game, but the perennially third place firm may end up winning the game over the long run. DaimlerChrysler recently bought Global Electric Motorcars, which makes the street legal GEM e4.
The GEM e4 is just the opposite of cars like the Prius, which are expensive to buy and expensive to own when you look at total life cycle costs (replacement batteries, needed every 3-4 years, cost thousands of dollars). The e4 seats 4, is street legal, and is fully weatherized. The car achieves it's low cost of operation by using less expensive car batteries, and has a range of about 30 miles, with a top speed of 25 mph--plenty of speed for around town driving. They are charged by plugging them into any 120 VAC outlet for a few hours.
The car is not legal on highways, but much of our driving is short trips just a few miles from home. The GEM vehicles start with prices as low as $7,000, and a well-equipped four seat model is under $10,000. They are much more practical than electric and gas scooters, the Segway, and other "open air" vehicles. Most people don't want to be caught out in a rainstorm or go to work with their hair and clothes flying in the breeze (me included). Alternative vehicles, to be popular, have to be able to get us from point A to point B with a minimum disruption of our appearance--you just can't show up for a business meeting soaked to the skin or covered with snow.
These NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles) wont' replace our highway driving cars, but they can cut the cost of getting around town dramatically.