A good discussion on the effect of plugin hybrids on the energy economy in Gristmill, lead by Joe Romm. Will plugin hybrids, with their lower cost fuel, renewable electricity, increase miles driven and sprawl, and reduce the push for mass transit and biking? Probably. But slowly, as their adoption rate will be slow at first. A tax on electricity used as motor fuel, similar to the tax on liquid fuel will need to be instituted to support road maintenance. It ought to include funding for mass transit and bike lanes and trails too, to offset the lower cost fuel sprawl effect.   more »