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RobertSmalls: Thank you for your "Insightful" analysis. Your experiences driving the Insight pretty much parallel my own although I drive a CVT. However, I am sure that driving an MT car does give you a better feel for what is going on than with the CVT where most of the thinking is done by the machine itself.
Generally, the ICE would be running at all times and the Eteks would be throttled through an additional accelerator pedal located near where a clutch pedal would be. For MT, some kind of multi-function gas pedal could be worked up. Adding the twin Eteks here would serve the same function as adding another IMA motor that could be engaged or not, each through a simple dog clutch. To keep from burning up the CVT start clutch it is good driving practice to make sure that all shift changes are done in the 0-4mph range, so dog clutch shifting there should work out OK. An MT Insight probably could take better advantage of this added assist than a CVT but for low speed driving around town it should prove to be useful enough to be worth the effort.
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