Not sure where you are getting your info, but on the Karma the gas engine doesn't operate unless the battery range goes to zero or I specifically choose to engage the ICE. Plug-in hybrids like the Karma and the Volt are a necessity until Level 3 fast charging infrastructure becomes ubiquitous. Otherwise you can't drive from San Jose to Sacramento and back in your EV, like I did a couple of Sundays ago in my Karma.