[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I have to disagree. The ability to mechanically link to the road in extreme circumstances does not define the vehicle's character. So they've not misled, because it doesn't change anything they've said...it will still drive on nothing but electricity 99.9% of the time.

The ability negates the justification for calling it an electric vehicle. The Volt started out being described as a hybrid. Its setup, regardless of whether the wheels could be driven mechanically, is a hybrid setup. With this new info, it is definitely a hybrid. And I'm fine with that because its a kick-ass (or should I say ... kick-teeth) hybrid.

As for it not changing what they've said ... let me ask you this: based on everything that GM has said about the Volt up until a week ago, did you honestly think that the engine would power the wheels of the Volt under any conditions?

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I think this is directed at #3, but I wanted to chip in -- no, I wouldn't say that's accurate.

"The Volt is a totally electrically driven vehicle, with a range extender system on-board for when your grid charge runs down. Under extremely demanding circumstances, the vehicle has the ability to mechanically power the wheels."

The two contradict each other. If it was 'totally electrically driven' the internal combustion engine would never power the wheels, thats what I take from the use of the word 'totally'. Usually electrically driven? Sure. At least partially electrically driven all the time? Absolutely. Totally electrically driven? No.

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I think this is being blown way out of proportion by primarily detractors of the Volt platform begging for some negative clippet to exploit. To date there has been none, so they're jumping on this like ravenous wolves.

Being "lied to" or "misled" imparts some sort of negative connotation of underhanded deception. When there is NONE. This is an added feature to supplement the drawbacks of the Volt's totally electric drivetrain in extreme circumstances. It is not something that will take away from the vehicle and encourage a customer to buy something else "if the truth comes out". It is something that adds to the already stellar resume of abilities the Volt brings to the showroom.

To Edmund's, I say: They've one-upped the Leaf AGAIN. Get over it.

I hope you don't consider me a detractor of the Volt. I've supported it any chance I get. And I would still consider buying one (used) if I can't get a Camaro.

If you say something that you know isn't true, you're lying. They called the Volt an electric vehicle. Initially, it was conceived to be a series hybrid. Turns out, they've added a parallel hybrid capability to that. But either way, its a hybrid and not a electric vehicle.

Now, if you say something essentially true with the intent to make your audience think something other than the whole truth, you are being misleading (or equivocating). Saying things like "electricity powers the Volt at all speeds" is essentially true. That statement leads anyone who reads think that electricity is the only thing that powers the wheels. It doesn't lead you to think 'and some of the time the engine will also power them too, right?'. So their statements were mis-leading people.