Electric, hybrid cars seek sales traction

Richard Peterson bought a battery-and-gasoline-powered Chevrolet Volt three months ago, just as gas prices began to spike. Since then, he has managed to drive it on electric power only for his daily commute between home in Brentwood and work in Franklin. His total gasoline consumption the past 90 days has been a mere 1.2 gallons. He laughs every time he passes a gas station and sees prices tick higher by another dime or two. The Volt, when operating only on electricity, costs about 50 cents a day to operate. The only thing electric and hybrid car enthusiasts need now is more Richard Petersons. Only the Toyota Prius has turned in stellar sales totals recently, finishing among best-selling...