Quote:
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.
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99.9% of the time is not 100% of the time (and I would argue that it is going to be more like 90% if you actually drive the thing for any distance, especially in mountainous parts of the country), and the criteria for an electric vehicle is 100% of the time. Think of it this way, some 'hybrids' are vastly ICE driven vehicles which the electric motor 'helps' on occasion to increase efficiency.
We still call those vehicles hybrids because they have the capability to be driven by both drivetrains. If it isn't 100% electric then it isn't electric, it's a hybrid. And even though I think the Cruze is arguably much better of the way it is what is better isn't really the argument here, the argument is that GM was not 100% honest about the car and, to be blunt, I don't really understand why.
The irony here is that, if GM really wanted an undeniably 'electric' vehicle, GM could have simply engineered in this car a feature where the gas drive-line actually powers the vehicle as an emergency measure only which the driver would have to physically activate by pushing a button or twist a knob to bring into effect. Such a car would arguably be a real electric vehicle with an emergency, gas powered limp home mode.
But, given the fact that the gas engine can and will kick in without any input from the driver there just isn't any way around it...this is a hybrid. Personally I don't find electric vehicles remotely viable anyway and I don't care for any manufacturers hybrid or electric vehicle programs without exception. That said, I think GM probably cost themselves more than a little in terms of the marketing goodwill this car was obviously designed to bring to the table and not for a very good reason.