The right batteries have arrived for a plugin hybrid conversion.  125 pounds worth, 5 of these batteries will store 6 kwh, which is equivalent to a gallon of gas.  And only costs 75 cents.  That could get you 40 or 50 miles on plugin power in a really economical car.

Enough for daily driving, making gasoline obsolete, except for the ocasional longer trips.  Powered by the regular front wheel drive engine.  The electric power is applied to the rear wheels, it avoids complications. 

Any front wheel drive car could be converted in this manner, either at the factory or after market.  Used cars would be a great fit.  40 mile commute to work?  charge up at work to drive home.  60 mile commute, put another two batteries onboard.

Most cars could save the 250 pounds in extra batteries and motors for this conversion.  Carbon fiber and aluminum parts could substitute for metal on the car to lighten the load, so the converted car would be the same weight as the original.

PS.  Well I called Valence.  Minimum order is 500k.  It's going to take an electric vehicle conversion coop to buy these for us do-it-yourselfers.  Maybe a consortium of local groups?  Why can't we have consortiums like industry does?

Each local group with 20 members who put up 500 bucks a piece.  Then 50 groups across the country that pool their money?  Is it possible?