No doubt you've read our recent news story, "GM Lied: Chevy Volt Is Not a True EV." In it we are not critical of the Chevy Volt's abilities or its engineering, but we are critical of General Motors for calling the Volt an electric vehicle when it is actually a series-parallel hybrid — its gasoline engine does in fact help drive the front wheels in conjunction with the electric motors in certain situations, just like on a Toyota Prius.

Later this week Inside Line will publish a follow-up story that does explain the Volt's powertrain and how it actually works. But we will still have to move until we live with and test a Volt before making our final judgements about its abilities, its engineering and its value. Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl has weighed in on the issue on his own blog.  

General Motors, however, has recently published an official response to Inside Line's recent news story, and we're publishing it in full below.

By Phil Colley, Chevrolet Volt Communications

We've officially started the media launch program for the Chevrolet Volt, and while it is generating strong critical acclaim because of its unique engineering, we want to clear up any confusion as to how the Voltec electric drive unit works among those who have not participated in the program.

The engineering of the Voltec electric drive unit is very sophisticated and as part of the media launch, we're diving even deeper into how the system works than we have in the past. We did not share all the details on how the system works until now because the information was competitive as we awaited patent approvals. Based on a small number of inaccurate media reports, we want to set the record straight.

Here are the facts:

- The Volt has an innovative electric drive system which can deliver power in both pure electric and extended range driving. The Voltec Electric Drive cannot operate without power from the electric motors. If the traction motor is disabled, the range-extending internal combustion engine cannot drive the vehicle by itself.

- There is no direct mechanical connection (fixed gear ratio) between the Volt's extended-range 1.4L engine and the drive wheels. In extended-range driving, the engine generates power that is fed through the drive unit and is balanced by the generator and traction motor. The resulting power flow provides a 10 to 15 percent improvement in highway fuel economy.

Our overriding neutral in developing the Voltec Electric Drive was to deliver the most efficient, yet fun-to-drive experience in both pure electric and extended-range driving. We think our unique technology lives up to its most important promise: delivering our customers with the only EV that can be their primary vehicle, with EV operation for normal regular driving, and extended range driving for weekends, holidays, longer trips, all with no range anxiety.

To read a few perspectives on the technology, please click the links below:

Motor Trend – Unbolting the Chevy Volt to See How it Ticks

"On paper, the Voltec drivetrain has more in common with a Prius (and other Toyota, Ford, or Nissan Altima hybrids) than anyone suspected. Each system employs a single planetary gear set, a gasoline-powered piston engine, and two electric motor/generators. But the way Chevy connects them is entirely different, and–if you ask me–superior."

Automobile Magazine – Chevy Volt Surprise

"To trump both the Prius and the Leaf, Volt combines their merits in one handy advanced-technology sedan. It employs cheaper and cleaner electrical energy drawn from the grid. It provides efficient electric drive without the usual compromises. It uses gasoline intelligently in a supporting role. It is a pure electric, a series hybrid, and a parallel hybrid all rolled into one."

The Car Connection – How GM Didn't 'Lie' About The Volt, And Why The Press Is Wrong

"Does that mean it's not an all-electric car the rest of the time? No. It just means that in addition to being an all-electric car, it has some hybrid-like capabilities. So Chevy delivers an EV with 340 miles range and adds in a power boost to maintain highway speeds even when the battery is discharged…and the media complains about it? This does not compute."

I hope this clears up any confusion and be sure to keep following along with our activities right here on Voltage, on Facebook and on Twitter.