Dave wrote:
> the motor at this power! Basically, the engine has to run a
> generator to fully power the motor(!). This might seem strange,
> but it does make some sense from a system point of view.

One reason is sounds strange is that it really isn't so. The (electric)
motor and the generator is one and the same unit. It can operate as a
motor, consuming electric power or operate as a generator, delivering
electric power. It can not do both at the same time. You are right about
availability of electric power being important, Toyota lists two 0 - 60
mph numbers for the Prius, one for fully charged batteries and one for
discharged batteries.