Yes and no. It would get great mileage but, like a gas-hybrid, would also be complex. It would also be heavy.....diesel engines use very heavy blocks that have to withstand a compression ratio of around 20: 1, and the weight of the electric motor and battery pack would weigh it down even more. I think that is why we don't see more diesel hybrids in diesel-friendly Europe.

 

If Toyota could build one why haven't they? Well one reason might be because it doesn't make sense to have a high torque at low rpm diesel engine with a high torque at low rpm electric motor. The two technologies just don't complement eachother well.

 

After that initial pop, we just kept right on slowly creeping back up here in NoCal. I see oil is back over $66 a barrel and I once again spent $40 tanking up the GS yesterday. Having some energy related investments roaring over 30% gain in a year is little comfort when you go in to fill up. I really have to wonder how much longer two ton plus, 350hp plus vehicles are going to be on the wish list of anyone other than those who have never owned something that gets less than 15 mpg. Ugh.