Here's an interesting bit about the European version of the Volt to confuse the debate about the gas engine providing direct power:
"The
2011 Chevrolet Volt made major media waves when it was first revealed that its engine could power the drive wheels independently under certain circumstances. According to a report from HeadlineAuto in the UK, though,
General Motors' European division is actually considering adding a switch for the
Opel Ampera (the Volt's more attractive European cousin) that would allow the driver to control how the drivetrain operates."
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/r...-to-gas-power/