We are mostly humble peasants here at Green Car Reports. We just try to report on green cars fairly, with an occasional bit of acerbity tossed in for flavor.

Once in a while, we post a story that hits a chord, including our discussion of why the 2011 Chevrolet Volt may not get either an EV purchase rebate from the state of California or single-driver access to that state's HOV Lanes--unlike the 2011 Nissan Leaf electric car.

Well, that one got enough attention that on Friday, our phone rang. A very pleasant producer asked if we could make it to a radio studio to appear on ... 'All Things Considered'. Yes, that 'All Things Considered'. On, ummm, National Public Radio. In 45 minutes.

2011 Chevrolet Volt pre-production prototype, January 2010

2011 Chevrolet Volt pre-production prototype, January 2010

We made it. We chatted with host Robert Siegel. We answered his questions. We tried to explain the complicated emissions rules of California--and why the Volt falls into its own category--as simply as we could.

And then we went home again. Two hours, start to finish.

The segment aired Friday at 5 pm (in some markets), and if you're so inclined, you can listen to the clip. Or, if you'd prefer, you can read a transcript of the complete segment on the same page.

Our elders and betters summed it up this way: "In short, the mean green machine continues to roll." We, being far more modest and humble, merely note that it was an honor to be on such a noteworthy national news program.

Especially since even our Mum said it sounded like we knew what we were talking about. There is no higher praise than that.