From what I understand, hybrids need to warm the engine (& catalytic converter) at startup to meet EPA standards for the exhaust. If this wasn't the case then for local runs, you might be able to run EV the whole time. With hybrids being more popular, it seems counterproductive to enforce standards that would increase pollution.

 

The FEH has 1 mile of typical EV range.
If your local run was 1 mile, then maybe you could walk or bike?

For 99% of all users, this is a non-issue.

For plug-in hybrids with 10 times the battery capacity, it becomes relevant.
Out of the box, the FEH is NOT an electric car.
It is a gasoline car with electric boost.

If you don't have a plug-in ability, it does not matter if your first mile is EV, a middle mile is EV, or your last mile is EV. Your MPG will be the same.

 

I agree it is a real bummer when you just want to move from the garage to the street.

 

The longer, more often, the catalyst is operated below fully operational temperature, temperature above/greater than 800F, the shorter its service life will be.

 

From a cold start, the scanguage II unit indicates , the catalyst temperature reaches 1000 degrees F within 30 seconds. It is normally maintained in the 4 figure-not 3 figure readout during normal operations.