Although the Volt and Leaf have stratospheric sticker prices, both have pretty low ownership costs. By Jessica L. Anderson, Associate Editor, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Sales of hybrid and electric cars jumped nearly 40% in the first quarter of the year. The primary reason: soaring gas prices. More than one-third of consumers now say fuel economy is the most important factor in their next vehicle purchase, according to a recent study by Maritz Research, a market-research firm.