A lot of people see hybrids and plug in hybrids as a great middle ground between ICE and EV, so why not make a diesel hybrid. They can be used in a variety of vehicles, and can reduce the nox and particulate emissions diesels are known for. So why isn’t there a modern diesel hybrid being produced, at least as a passenger car?
In: Engineering
I’m sure it’s possible, but hybrids are specifically paired with a type of engine called an “Atkinson cycle” engine. These are highly efficient on their own – which is why they can achieve 35+ mpg on the highway with gas, when the electric motor is not in use – but have poor “low-end” acceleration. They can’t start from a standstill very well, and that’s when the electric motor takes over.
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