If it’s tuned across several power ranges, is there any efficiency advantage over the way the Prius uses its ICE? And the Prius sends power directly to the wheels, so the Prius doesn’t have power conversion/storage losses.”

No, because the loop efficiency of storing energy into the battery and then using it later in the motor is typically only 60% (Prius claim) to 80% efficient overall, so you really want to power match reasonably well. Idling the engine is the worst possible thing to do.

Assuming they get the bugs worked out, I still think the genius PR move would be to offer the first test drive to Farago.

As for “power bands”, the generator must spin at an rpm necessary to produce enough current for demand. While three distinct power bands may not yield as high fuel efficiency as running the ICE at a single optimum RPM, I’m sure that one of the three power bands is the optimized RPM, and the other two are still benefiting from running at a steady RPM when in each band.

Use an iPhone 3G in EDGE mode while running the GPS on Maps. Plug it into your car and take a 3 hour drive somewhere. When you get there your phone will be near dead. You see, the power coming in, isnt enough to replace the power going out.

My guess is the gasoline engine just isnt making enough juice to keep the batteries at a constant level (nevermind recharging them fully) without reving the piss out of it.

Wouldn’t it be most effective to set up the engine for a single power setting and, when power is needed, start, idle for however long necessary and then to got full power?

If it’s tuned across several power ranges, is there any efficiency advantage over the way the Prius uses its ICE? And the Prius sends power directly to the wheels, so the Prius doesn’t have power conversion/storage losses.

Every additional bit of information about the Volt just leads me to more questions and further doubt.