Headscratcher (10)

Failure to pay timely attention to an automobile's fuel gauge often results in running out of gasoline. When that happens, a call to an emergency service will, after a modest wait for police or a towing service, result in the supply of a gallon of somewhat expensive gas.

The current eco-fad is to purchase overpriced electric powered vehicles. Simple plug-in hybrids do make a certain level of operational, if not financial, sense as does the Chevrolet Volt which is a battery powered plug-in vehicle with a 'range extender' gasoline motor.

The newly introduced Nissan Leaf, however, is a pure electric car with a range of about 100 miles, as claimed by the company, and only 73 miles as tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) . Reduce that - by a lot - when sitting in traffic jams on days when heat or air conditioning are required and the risk or running out of fuel becomes substantial.

Then what?

The answer is simple. Call a tow truck and, instead of purchasing an expensive gallon of gas, the vehicle will be hauled away to spend hours being recharged while the unfortunate eco-freak owner paces impatiently as he (women are likely too sensible to buy these impractical status symbols) contemplates the new damage to his bank account.

A headscratcher indeed!