"Audi's top U.S. executive* said here Monday that political leaders have "fallen in love" with electric vehicles even though widespread use may be two decades away.
At a speech at the National Press Club, Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen* reiterated his belief that vehicles like the extended-range plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt are not currently financially viable without government support and that existing technologies are better served to help drivers get better gas mileage.
"I understand why political leaders have fallen in love with hybrids and electrics. But this may be the one time you'll hear someone in Washington say it shouldn't be a monogamous relationship," de Nysschen said."
http://www.detnews.com/article/20091215/AUTO01/912150320/1148/Audi-exec--Obama-s-love-for-electric-vehicles-premature* The same guy who called the Volt "a car for idiots". It's worthwhile to note that cellphones weren't viable without government support (specifically Japanese government support for Li-ion battery development).