Toyota exec feels Chevy Volt's gas-engine assist won't affect sales

Is the Chevrolet Volt an extended range electric vehicle (ER-EV) or is it a high-tech hybrid? Does it really matter? Some people jumped on General Motors when it revealed that the Volt's gasoline engine can, at times, assist in motivating the vehicle, but Bill Reinert, national manager for Toyota's advanced technology group, feels that the controversy surrounding the Volt is much ado over nothing. In an interview with the Detroit Free Press on the sidelines of the 2010 Business of Plugging In conference, Reinert discussed the Volt's now controversial powertrain, stating:

I don't think it really matters to the viability of the Volt. I don't think they're going to lose one customer if someone calls (the Volt) a hybrid. Whether it's a hybrid or an extended range EV, it's still an interesting car, a challenging car and all congrats for them to do it.

Is it an ER-EV, or is it a hybrid? No matter which tag the Chevy Volt gets labeled with, we still believe it's a breakthrough auto with industry-changing potential. Hat tip to Pat!

Photos copyright ©2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Detroit News]