All I want for Christmas is a plug-in hybrid vehicle

Lately, I've received a number of inquiries about where to buy plug-in hybrids. This doesn't surprise me. I want a plug-in hybrid. Still, the technology isn't fully baked, at least not for mass production. Consequently, you can't venture down to your local auto dealer and buy a plug-in hybrid.

Sure, you can convert a hybrid into a plug-in hybrid, and while I envy those whom have converted current hybrid cars into plug-in hybrids, I'm just a little short of cash at the moment for such a venture.

Nonetheless, what is it about plug-in hybrids that is so appealing even to consumers not interested in current hybrids? Sure, I totally believe in the potential of such technology, but there is no doubt plug-in technology is going to be expensive, at least in the short term. Thus, if plug-in hybrids offered an end to foreign oil dependency and a solution to transportation-caused global warming, but no cost savings to American consumers, would so many consumers still be so excited?

Is the excitement regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles for many consumers focused upon doing the right thing or on saving lots of money at the gas pump?