==Is the Chevrolet Volt distinct from others?== 
 A comment posted in response to the Popular Mechanics article prompts me to ask this question. Here's part of the comment, by David Murray of Kennedale, Texas: 
 "The Volt is technically in a class all its own called an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) and there is a reason for that distinction. The Volt essentially operates completely as an electric vehicle during the first 38 miles (or however far you get out of the battery) That includes full power acceleration, heater, air conditioner, etc." His point is that with the other cars, you don't have full power acceleration unless the engine is running. I'm not sure he's correct about the accessories. I think, though I have not confirmed, that the air conditioning compressor is driven by an electric motor on most conventional hybrids and PHEVs, so you should have A/C even without the engine running. I don't know about heat. I'm guessing that many PHEVs have some electric heat, but that may not be enough to keep you warm in very cold temperatures. You may need additional heat off the engine. Maybe these matters are covered in the article and I didn't notice. The point about full power acceleration without the engine running seems very important, and something that should be highlighted in the article. As I mentioned earlier, I'm not particularly biased in favor of the Volt, I just think readers will want to be informed of noteworthy distinctions among the vehicles.