As a Volt owner of 7 months,
As a Volt owner of 7 months, working as an engineer for the last 17 years, I've learned almost all there is to know about the Volt.
It's not even close to being a hybrid. I've gone over 5000 miles on a 10 gallon tank of gasoline. No hybrid comes close when operated in the "100 miles per day" mode, charging multiple times per day.
I have a 42-44 mile (depending on route) commute 5 days a week, and charge both ways. I usually make it all the way electric, at the speed limit (or above:)).
Bottom line in MY case is a fuel cost savings of over $500 monthly, because of my high miles and charging both ways. Hybrids cant touch this.
This vehicle IS AN EV when it's battery range is not exceeded - and I can get 50 miles out of mine if I choose to...
I've had access to the GM trainers and engineer a few times and I've been taught that there is NEVER mechanical energy transmitted to the drivetrain by the ICE - it ONLY turns the generator. Yes, I've seen diagrams that seem to indicate otherwise, but I also have the experience of operating on the ICE - there's NO corrolation between engine RPM and "road speed".
jc