From my take on the NAH, it was specifically aimed at adapting the Prius (Toyota) hybrid technology to a great selling car to see how the market would react. Other than loosing the pass through rear seat, they did not alter the car in any way. Well except for the engine and drive train and one gage.
I think that we can modify these care to push this low EPA and actual mileage figure a lot higher. I do plan on a LRR tire at the first tire change.
I also feel that the engine gutting in at 38-40mph is just too soon. Here in the burbs, most roads are 35-45
mph so I do annoy a few folks when I am keeping it under 35
mph to stay in EV mode. Now I understand the ICE needs to come on to charge the battery when needed, but stay off until then!