I've seen other articles this morning on how plug-ins aren't that big a deal because the mileage isn't a huge improvement if you take into account the electricity generation as "energy use."

Here's one.

I made this comment at that site:

Including the energy used to recharge the batteries as part of a mileage calculation sounds good at first glance, but it assumes there is no distinction between electricity and petroleum. This isn't true. Electricity can be generated by nuclear, solar, and wind, or from coal-fired power plants that don't need imported oil.

Almost half of the oil used in this country is turned into gasoline. In the long run, converting a significant portion of our transportation to electric or plug-ins will make a huge difference in how our energy is created and used, and on our dependence on oil imports. Assuming we have the sense to start building new power plants, of course.

I'm surprised this isn't more obvious.

What I'd like to see is somebody starting to work batteries into the standard semi truck system. In applications where torque and power count at low speeds, electric hybrids excel. Most railroad locomotives are electrical motors charged by diesel engines, although I don't think they have significant storage.