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Properly used by a skilled driver, leaving the hybrid functions in place means better MPG on the highway. The hybrid stuff enables you to hold lean burn on grades/under loads where you simply couldn't hold it without it. That = better MPG.
Also, you can't "remove the hybrid system" and still drive this car. You would, for example, have no way to run the 12v system. You would also need to design & install a custom flywheel if you removed the 144v motor/generator. I can't comment on how deeply integrated the electronics are, but you can be sure the car wouldn't pass emissions testing if you have that where you live (the warnings on the dash would be lit up like a Christmas tree).
You could potentially remove just the battery pack and still drive the car, saving a whopping 48 lbs. But saving 48 lbs probably won't make a detectable difference to most people's MPG.
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