I'll try to help.I can't say I understand the obsession with what the Volt is called and the hate it gets because the engine sometimes connects to the wheels directly. They could have easily made it so the engine is only a generator, but they put in the extra time and expense of making the vehicle as efficient as they could which should be commended, not condemned.
It really doesn't have to be as complicated as some people make it, I can explain everything you need to know about the Volt powertrain modes in two simple sentences:
When it has power in the battery its an EV, and when it doesn't its a hybrid. When its a hybrid sometimes the engine is just a generator and sometimes it powers the wheels directly, whichever is more efficient at the time.
1. People don't hate the Volt for the tech decisions or the naming.
2. Some people disagree with the naming of vehicles such as the Volt by the manufacturer.
3. None of the names applied to the Volt have been intended as hateful (to my knowledge).
4. The money of citizens (well, taxpayers) is being spent based on naming due to current government policy. That makes naming matter.
5. Many people want public money spent less, but if spent ... spent well. Some consider non-BEV investments in vehicle R&D as "not spent well". This creates a natural frustration/angst/etc. for those that feel used by FUD-sters playing the terminology game to get public money for their products.
6. Some people (like me) care about the terminology FUD issue on its own merits (i.e. regardless of the public policy / financial impact).
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Terminology clarification:Much like a Model S drags around a large, heavy, and expensive battery pack that is far in excess of what a typical owner uses on their typical daily drive. Nevertheless, I want my future 3rd gen Tesla to have an optional 250+ mile battery pack so it is there for my convenience when I need it.
Are you wanting a smaller battery option (i.e. opt out of the 250+ mile battery pack) or for the "small to 250+" feature to be user installable/removable?
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Now there's a significant difference though. I don't think there's much disagreement that the Volt fits the "Plug-In" category nicely.InsideEVs.com calls it a Monthly Plug-In Sales Scorecard. Differentiation matters more to individuals than industry analysts.
Then again, RC cars arguably fit that category as well. As would cars with a small battery that lasts for only 3 feet of propulsion.