If you can get an extension cord to your car, presumably you could recharge anywhere. Obviously, though, the autocharge is best suited to a private garage.

But if you just can’t practically recharge at home (you live, for example, in an apartment complex without assigned spots) it would still pay to have a hybrid. You’d gain power harvested from braking that is wasted now.

If plug-in hybrid really took off, I could see apartment complexes accomodating this with assigned parking and autocharge units that “know” your car – no leeching allowed.

While the automatic charging idea is cool I have slight problem with it:

You park the car, you take the key out, you hear a little click underneath the floor and the car is on charge, automatically.

What about those of us who can’t park in our garage?