Hybrids are far more practical and realistic than all electric because until you have ultra-fast recharge or replaceable batteries, you will always have anxiety going on a long drive or road trip.
Simon ...
I did have my share of engineering classes in college but my major was not engineering. But I could never understand why this type of hybrid is not more common. Even BMW does it with the i3, an electric car with a small 2 cylinder motor that adds range and charges the battery as you drive.
Since cruising on flat terrain may require only 30-50 horsepower depending on the size/weight of the vehicle, why not have a small (50-75 hp turbo) under the hood to provide enough energy to cruise and yet charge the vehicle at the same time. A small diesel would, IMO, be even better, though a bit more expensive.
When going up a hill or passing, the electric kicks in. When going down the hill, most of the energy would be used to charge the battery and of course the regenerative process when putting on the brakes would further add to the recharge process.
Granted, it may not be the best choice of technology for cruising through the Rockies all day but for 90% or more people that live in flatter terrain it would be a winner. It's no different from living here in the southern part of the US. Trying to find an SUV (other than a Jeep Wrangler) that is 4 wheel drive is difficult to do. Go a few hundred miles north where snow is common, then its hard to find an SUV that is not 4 wheel drive. Difference places, different types of cars.
But I agree that there would be stress (and time) involved in finding a place to recharge a car if you are not on a highway, especially at night.
Rub a Dub