Agreed. My daily commute (all city driving) is about 21 kms round trip. In the summer months I can do the entire commute on battery (traffic depending). I simply plug the car in every night. I haven't calculated the cost of the electricity but my fuel costs were reduced by more than 60% last year (a savings of approximately $2600) and I am getting some "green" cred with the kids
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The government rebate also helped (it was $8500 here which made the 530e cheaper than the non-hybrid 530) and I can drive in the HOV lanes without a passenger.
I would definitely prefer more electric range but there are definitely reasons to buy the hybrid.
Just my two cents (Cdn.) worth.