[Geoff]

The Ampera is pretty much an ICE with an inadequate battery for all but the shortest commutes. It all depends on how far along the EV scale you want to be. Some people will prefer to be more ICE, others more EV. It's good to have choice.

While we are at it, can someone put an Ampera in mountain mode, stick a brick on the accelerator and then shove a microphone up the exhaust to see how loud it is?

Do this and you would hear no sound from the Ampera. It the battery was depleted then the generator would start up. The brick would have no effect as the generator will only run faster on demand from the electric motor.