PLUG -IN AUTOMOBILES

In “GM and the Juicemobile” ( June 21), Marla Cone noted the Impact’s ability to “reach 60 m.p.h. in eight seconds--faster than 98% of the cars on the road.” On the other hand, Nissan’s electric car, the FEV, was said to accelerate more slowly but can recharge its batteries in 15 minutes instead of the Impact’s eight hours.

Doesn’t the capacity for jack-rabbit starts come at the expense of more practical but less sexy features? Didn’t this type of fossilized thinking bring us the gas guzzlers that got the American auto industry into its current mess?

MONTE MONTGOMERY

Crestline

Marla Cone responds: Nissan’s battery pack charges faster because it uses 440 volts, which isn’t found in American homes.