Hybrid Trucks

I do not understand why they don't use a diesel engine instead of a gasoline to help on fuel economy. In the hybrids...

 

4 years ago Honda made a first

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/...s_8_hybrid_diesel_electric_truck/viewall.html

 

Diesel engines get best fuel MPG at there operating temp, everytime the hybrid engine would take over the diesel engine would cool down, so when its time for the diesel engine to takeover it has to get back to normal operating temp causing it to use normal diesel, that is why they dont make hybrids with diesel engines

 

What do you think train locamotive are... A big diesel generator and an electic engine... Now if we can down size those for the highway!!

 

One of the manufactures, did this 10 years ago, the electric motors could not take the abuse of the pavement, You know those big potholes chunks in the road, you name it. Electric motor drivetrain could not handle the abuse.

 

Anyone ever think of what the real reason we have not advanced mpg wise like the Europe has? Think about how IFTA works and how taxes are collected on fuel. Take 2 trucks that each weigh 80,000 pounds. An older one, no aerodynamics, let's assume 5 mpg. New truck with all the aero and new engine, even one like Dice1's truck, say 8 or 9 mpg. They both do the same amount of damage to the road, no? Tax is collected based on number of gallons burned, not on actual damage to road. What's wrong with this picture? If IFTA was changed so everyone paid a set rate based on your licensed weight and number of miles driven on each jurisdiction, it would be fair. At the same time the tax at the pump would have to be removed. The way Oregon does it. If this went for ALL big trucks/cars/motorcycles etc, we might actually advance!!!!!!!!!! If we don't change how we do things and the infrastructure starts crumbling and there isn't money to keep it all maintained, how long before you think we, as a whole, go out of business? Food for thought.