Hybrid Cars. Electric Cars. What's the Point?

This won't please everybody, but I cannot see the point of Hybrid or Electric cars.

Let's start with Electric cars. They really are non starters, unless you can use one as a second car for short journeys, as they have range problems.

Let's take the Nissan Leaf. Claims 100 miles per charge. Users get nearer 70 miles per charge. Effective range 50 miles as you can't drive it till it runs out before charging. This leads to problems as recharging before completely discharged leads to capacity loss. Owners complain of 20% reduced range within a year. Also range much reduced in winter as batteries are less efficient when cold.
Then there is the problem of cost. At around £25,000 it's double the price of a similar sized normally powered car, even with the £5,000 subsidy, which is reportedly to be removed next April.

Now let's look at Hybrid Cars. The Toyota Prius, when road tested by Autocar gave only 47mpg compared with a Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel at 55mpg. Why pay a premium for poorer mpg than a good diesel.

Marketing surveys also suggest that buyers rarely buy another hybrid after once trying one.

My advice. Buy an economical diesel of petrol engined car.