But there is a direct mechanical link! In some conditions, this mechanical link is activated - that engine is turning a shaft with some gears on it, which turns

But there is a direct mechanical link! In some conditions, this mechanical link is activated - that engine is turning a shaft with some gears on it, which turns another gear and shaft, which turns an axle and two CV joints, which turns two wheels. What people thought they were getting was a car with an engine + giant generator without a transmission geared to or hooked up to the wheels directly. Then people (or GM, in a future model) could rip the engine, gas tank, etc. out and put a bigger battery in there! Instead, what we're getting is just another Prius, only more expensive and with a crappier more plastic-y interior.