Plug-In Hybrids

Here is a short article about plug-in hybrids. The first paragraph is what caught my eye, mainly the idea that Americans are leery to purchase vehicles that have limited range (i.e. all-electric cars). What I don't understand is why that is the case? Why won't Americans purchase vehicles that fit their needs 90% of the time? Most people use their cars to drive less that 35 miles, round trip. For this, electric cars are perfect: super quiet, great performance, low maintenance costs, extremely cheap fuel. However, Americans (or at least car manufacturers think this) want to buy a car that is only needed 10% of the time: a long trip, hauling a camper, etc.

People should purchase all-electric cars for their day to day needs, but new companies need to spring up that rent larger vehicles for the 10% of the time that people need big cars.