I, like many of you out there I'm sure, read the various blogs and message boards that are dedicated to discussions about the upcoming electric cars from GM and Nissan. What strikes me as a little odd is how fans of either of the two attack the other car with extremely negative comments.

I suppose it's because they, to some degree, measure the validity of their own decision to choose one over the other by how successful that car is as compared to the other. Chevrolet Volt [2] supporters write about how the LEAF is an under-engineered piece of crap and how the people that buy them are going to GET stuck all over the place when they run out of charge. Nissan LEAF [3] fans will never let anyone forget that the Volt is a gas burner and needs all the maintenance that every other ICE vehicle needs including oil changes and tune-ups.

It's obvious both cars have flaws as well as many benefits. However one thing all EV supporters can agree on is that both of these vehicles are a huge step in the right direction and they both will help us begin to reduce our oil consumption.

I have been driving my MINI-E 35,000 miles over the past thirteen months and have really enjoyed every mile of it. I think future Volt and LEAF owners are going to realize they like their cars more that they even thought they would once they have the opportunity to experience electric drive. There are so few of us that have had the pleasure of leasing or owning a highway capable electric car and that's going to change real soon with these two cars.

I predict both cars will be very well received and sell at least as well as projected. These cars are different enough that they can both succeed without cannibalizing the others sales. A healthy debate is always a good thing, just remember, we're all on the same side in this fight.