Why are all modern hybrid and plug in hybrid cars paired with gas engines rather than diesel engines? The diesel and hybrid pair seem like a great idea in theory.

Question

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

Answer 1

There are diesel hybrid cars from Peugeot and Mercedes for example. In general diesel engines require more stuff for proper exhaust cleaning and so, comparing to a gas engine, making diesel engines more expensive and heavier.

And in general hybrids are not so green like you would maybe expect as the electrical range is pretty low (normally far less than 100km), no matter whether it has a diesel or gas engine.

For example the Mercedes E300 diesel hybrid has an electrical range of only 45km until you have to recharge the battery. After that you either need to recharge or you use the combustion engine.