[cmrdporcupine]

I agree. The Volt to me is a beautiful piece of engineering, and the ICE system is actually simpler than a regular ICE car _because_ of the presence of the EV side of the car, which compliments it.

I think it's more of a political thing -- if you've made the argument that "ICE = pollution = bad" then it's hard to turn around and say "but a little bit of ICE to extend range is good."

The battery + electric motor adds so much good -- regenerative braking, electric torque, good city driving experience, it really feels like every car that is now an ICE should be a hybrid, even if just a "soft" hybrid with no plug, like a Prius.