While GM and its co-conspirators may have killed the EV, plug-in hybrids may keep it in the grave.
The choice for consumers may soon be between an all-electric vehicle that produces no emissions (save the coal or natural gas used to generate the electricity it consumes) and has a limited range, or a plug-in hybrid that uses a mixture of gasoline and electric power but can go much further.
I'm betting that given a comparable price point, the majority of consumers will go for plug-ins. While the Earth-first camp will lobby for EVs that don't dabble in petrol, the average consumer won't want to be constrained by plugging-in 
every hundred or so miles. Even with advances in battery technology, such as Altairnano's showcasing an EV that quickly recharges and goes for 110 miles on a charge, they aren't meant for long distance driving, and require people to own a second vehicle. Plug-in hybrids offer the most flexibility and convenience, and despite concerns for global warming that's an easier sell. I'm betting that most consumers will vote for plug-ins, so comment on whether you'd prefer an EV or plug-in, all other things being equal (performance, price, comfort, etc.).
I realize that these vehicles are not mutually exclusive, but consumers may soon have three choices in vehicles with electric motors, which will create confusion with many buyers (who are less-informed than the sophisticated Wired audience, of course).
