Charging Ahead: The Case for Plug-In Hybrid Cars

My question is:
If batteries are the big hurdle, why not try designing for shorter range and develop some sort of "instantaneous" or "drive-by" recharge capabilities at stop lights, along major routes, etc. I bet one of these cars which performs comparably with a gas guzzler while carrying enough heavy batteries to go hundreds of miles would go like stink if it were only designed to carry enough energy for ten miles.

The batteries aren't that bad so a range of 100 miles can be achieved without a ridiculous mass of batteries - still costs a fair bit though. The problem with your solution is that the cost of such an infrastructure would be many times greater.

You're not thinking this through very well."all you need is an extension cord?" Many people who live in condos or apartments don't have a parking space right next to their living quarters. I would have have a 200 feet long extension cord to go from my condo to the parking space. Also how are you going to safely plug your car in while standing in the pouring rain?

You are making a simple thing more difficult. My 10 yr. old son will solve this in a minute. I ask him this and he started giving very interesting answers.

you didn't say what the "very interesting answers" were.

All you need is common sense. Common man!
Common sense does not not have to go details.!

Common sense says a 200 foot long extension cord is not practical for recharging a plug in hybrid at my condo. Picture a 10 story condo building at night, every condo with extension cord hanging out the window stretching to their car parked on the street. Whoever is walking on that sidewalk better be careful they don't trip over all the extension cords. I could see teenagers playing pranks unplugging peoples cars at night.

If you're in a building with a parking complex then installing power outlets for each car bay is a trivial cost. A standard outlet is all that is needed for overnight charging. Only fast charging requires special equipment.
Weatherproofing is also a trivial technological hurdle to overcome for outdoor charging and a locking mechanism to stop 'pranksters' is also not a difficult concept.

Bearnurse: I can see a parking lot ,outside a condo building, with lots of electric sockets on small poles (like you see in the Scandinavian contries for engine heating!) The plug itself can be inside a small locker at those poles.