[Elsie]

Part of the idea is to switch to electric propulsion, since there are a variety of ways to make electricity.

I know that - but it is NOT efficient to have an on board gas engine to drive a generator to charge the batteries to drive the car.

When it runs on the gas engine it's just like any other vehicle, only hauling around dead weight (or batteries.)

[Mike-o-Matic]

You’re correct, the genset is dead weight when not running. If you want an electric car but you’re NEVER going to use the range extender, you might want to buy a BEV instead of an EREV for this very reason.

However, you should also bear in mind there are reliability and efficiency gains to be had in having no transmission (which also helps offset the weight of the battery). Plus the engine is tuned for efficiency rather than power.

[ColdWater]

When it runs on the gas engine it's just like any other vehicle, only hauling around dead weight (or batteries.)

It is not just like any other vehicle. You pop false statements faster then anyone can keep up with!