[ausev] Newbie Introduction

[rah at h-consulting.com]

Hello AustinEV,

I've been lurking on the list for a few weeks and am glad to join the 
crowd of newbies doing intros.  I've been interested in electric cars 
since for a long time: in fact, I'm getting deju vu from my 10 year 
old's interest in them too.  He wants to be an AustinEV member too!  
I'm very excited that the time for EVs seems to be upon us.

I was impressed with both the WKTEC and the AustinEV display.  This is 
a very well organized group.  Kudos.

My background is primarily in software that controls other things.  
Today I write building access control systems.  In the past I've worked 
on controls for robots, oil pipelines/platforms, injection molding, and 
virtual servers.

QUESTION: I'm in the market for a new car (and don't have time to wait 
for a conversion) - Does anyone have a suggestion for a hybrid?  My 
first pick has been the Honda Civic, but I don't know anyone who has 
one.  The Prius is a close second.  I'd like to try get a PHEV option, 
but don't want to kill the warranty on a new car.  Thoughts?

Rob Hirschfeld