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I think The Zing! will show how efficient a serial hybrid can be. You have to consider the *average* efficiency of a drivetrain, and a mechanical can be at peak efficiency part of the time. A serial hybrid can have a smaller displacement engine because it only has to meet the average power output.
The FVT eVaro gets 300-350 miles of range from less than 2.5 gallons of gasoline, using a customized 1100cc Goldwing engine spinning a 20kW generator. It can charge the 21kWh lithium pack in about 1 hour, which then lets you drive ~125 miles on the electric drivetrain. The genset then starts again and runs for about 1 hour, and then you can drive for another ~125 miles.
The eVaro has a total range of 400-450 miles with a plugin charge (21kWh total capacity) and ~2.5 gallons of gasoline. It gets *all* of it active braking power from regenerative braking and it has free wheel coasting when you lift your right foot off the accelerator pedal. It accelerates 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds, and stops 60-0mph in about 130 feet.
The eVaro and the Zing! are very similar in many ways: 3 wheels in a reverse trike layout, 2 people sitting in tandem, electric front wheel drive, serial hybrid. The biggest differences are weight (eVaro is about 2100-2200 pounds I think?) and it is larger overall, too. Aero Cd is a close call, but the Zing! very likely has less frontal area.
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