[gimmeThaBeet]

I got my honda partially because it has the closest thing to nissan's e-power (in many ways the same, but with a couple twists).

At low speeds (< 45 mph) it's either off the battery the whole time, or the motor runs and directs power to the traction motor or the battery. One wrinkle is that the motor assembly has a clutch that can engage the engine direct to the wheels, but like in city driving, the engine isn't going to be connected to the wheels. But I def would say that at least Honda's hybrid doesn't feel as simple as e-power.

Now this probably isn't really accurate, but architecturally I think I like it because the only thing keeping it from being a BEV is the battery size (only a couple kWh); the electric motor is strong enough to be usable on its own.

I think Toyota has increased the power on the normal prius, and definitely on the prime, but it used to be as part of the power split system, the electric drive motor wasn't sized to be enough on its own.

[Tagbert]

Yes, that was one of the limitations of the Honda Clarity. The EV motor wasn't big enough and it was all too eager to switch to the gas engine. Looked like it was a comfortable car, though.

GM setup the Volt to alway have full power in EV mode and the vehicle would never automatically switch to gas unless the battery was discharged.