Buying a car was hard enough when you only had to choose between compact, intermediate, and full-size models. Today’s shoppers have to select from a shrinking assortment of passenger cars and a surging tide of S.U.V.’s in sizes large, extra-large, and whatever’s bigger than that—now they’re also confronted with a confounding additional question: What sort of motor (or motors) do they want hauling them and their loved ones around?
And the nominees are: gas (or I.C.E., as we say in the trade, for internal-combustion engine); hybrid (two motors—one I.C.E., one electric—working in tandem); or B.E.V., for battery electric vehicle, which is the gasless option. Suddenly, last century’s hours spent agonizing over whether to select durable vinyl seating or the posh, imitation-velour alternative, the so-called convenience group (including cigar lighter and electric door mirrors) or the inconvenience group (seat belts for rear-seat passengers), seem like child’s play.
