So figuring 35 miles for realistic conditions, that's about 1/2 the price of the fuel needed for a small very econocar used mainly on the freeway (~40 mpg) for similar distance. Out of pocket, not bad, but the Volt costs $40K+ while the small econobox is around $20K or less. Can buy a lot of gas for $20K even at $4-5/gal, especially considering financing costs or even just the ability to service that big a loan (more than my first condo cost, and I had a 30-year loan on that).

Of course if the gas simply isn't there having some electric range is good, but that situation isn't likely in most near-term scenarios though the "fuel" cost difference could increase. And you quoted PG&E; in municipal utility areas, the electric cost would be lower, perhaps by up to 1/3 assuming that $1.50 is at the marginal (highest) rate tier.

And this has to do with trains how? Oh yes, oil trains, which are really just an expedient replacement for pipeline capacity not currently available. If the Dakotas etc really do turn into the next Arabia or even Alaska it won't take too long to hook up the pipes killing off the trains. Enjoy the photo ops while they last. And why are the trains so evil in the PacNW when we've had them (ref. oil cans from Bakersfield or the Coast) for a long time in CA which is supposed to be the true home of the environut?