MICKEY KAUS: Why The Volt’s Flopping. “Maybe the Chevy Volt’s problem isn’t Obama’s kiss-of-death endorsement, but instead simply that consumers don’t like plug-in hybrids. The plug-in version of the proven, reliable Toyota Prius isn’t selling either in Japan, where it was launched, according to Truth About Cars. Drivers might not want to have to plug their cars in. Simple as that. It’s an extra, unfamiliar hassle.”

I didn’t mind plugging in the Leaf, but that may be true.

UPDATE: Reader Richard Kaul writes: “Plug-ins face an uphill battle against reality. Let’s be honest, how many folks manage to get their cars in their garage? In the older section of town my relatives have a one car garage filled with stuff and 3 cars parked on the curb, while in the suburbs at least two of the three garage stalls are filled with stuff.”

You know, that’s a good point. We keep our cars in the garage, but when Knoxville got hit by golf-ball-sized hail last year, I was surprised how many people said they took damage when they weren’t able to get their car in the garage because it was full of junk.