Is GM/BMW/Daimler's dual-mode hybrid too much?

With Toyota dominating the hybrid market, some other automakers are trying to play catch-up (not Ford, of course). But there are different types of hybrid engines, and the dual-mode hybrid system in development by GM and DaimlerChrysler and BMW has won praise from some analysts, but HybridCars.com got dissenting views from two others. UC Davis Professor Andy Frank and Ron Gremban, CalCars Technology Lead both give their opinions on the dual-mode hybrid. In short, they think the system is too costly and incapable of driving solely on electric power (and Gremban scoffs at the consortium for saying this is an advantage).

Related:

• Two-mode hybrids versus diesels

[Source: Hybrid Cars]