and one point I mentioned is that if you run out of petrol the car STOPS - regardless of the battery charge and the fact that it could easily power you to the nearest garage....WHY?

Isn't this one of the supposed advantages to having a partially battery powered car?

I can again reinforce that as I am VERY close to these pieces of shit being used as taxis (I am involved in the installation of the radio gear and other operational systems) I can assure the viewers that they are a very bad pile of crap!

The DRIVERS hate them...
The CUSTOMERS hate them.....
The owners LOVE them because their petrol bill is reduced (very short sighted view)....

They are FAR from green - they are CRAP!

Buy one and find out for yourself......