I recently learned that train engines have been using electric motors powered by diesel generators since at least the 30’s, which surprised me. It made me wonder why cars or at least trucks and busses don’t do something similar, and why “parallel” hybrids are the only type of hybrid engine widely available.
I assume it has to do with the size difference, but what specifically? Needs to carry too much liquid fuel? Generator or electronics can’t be miniaturized? Or is it a purely economic problem and not a technological one?
In: Engineering
It’s entirely an issue of weight, complexity, and cost. It’s totally doable, and honestly advisable, but it ends up being too expensive to justify it in the current market. That will likely change in the future, though.
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