Toyota rules out diesel hybrids

Posted Thu Mar 6 2008 4:37 PM by James Martinez

A number of Europe’s major carmakers used this week’s Geneva Motor Show to unveil new concepts combining the frugalness of a compact diesel engine with the fuel-saving capability of a hybrid electric drivetrain. Some of the concepts, such as Volkswagen’s new TDI Hybrid, return fuel-economy of close to 70mpg (3.35L/100km). Despite the staggering results, hybrid technology pioneer Toyota has no plans for the oil-burning hybrid.

Speaking to reports in Geneva, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe said there were no sell diesel hybrid cars. "Technologically, a passenger car with a diesel hybrid is feasible for us since we already have a truck in Japan with a diesel hybrid. But a diesel hybrid car would cost more than a gasoline hybrid. Today we have no plans to introduce a diesel hybrid," Watanabe said.

Toyota is instead focusing on battery technology and is reported by Automotive News to be looking past lithium-ion technology in an effort to boost electric-only driving distances. Officials have set a goal of 50mi (80km) using a battery that can be charged from a standard home electricity outlet. This same week, Toyota’s chief also confirmed the carmaker’s entire lineup will be available with a hybrid option by the end of the next decade.

Reader Comments

Thu Mar 6 2008 5:51 PM
chris says

yet again, another stupid decision out of toyota. TWO IN ONE DAY!?!?! wow.

so basically they have pointed out that they already have a diesel electric truck IN PRODUCTION but they wont make a car.

talk about stupid.
Thu Mar 6 2008 6:25 PM
brian says

makes sense for toyota. They dont want to kill their Prius market with a new diesel hybrid. Its all about money. They need to milk the Prius fad before moving on.
Thu Mar 6 2008 8:36 PM
mark says

All they need to do is put a diesel in the prius.
Fri Mar 7 2008 2:20 AM
Eljay says

Well,I'm a bit confused now.I thought the reason they aquired a stake in Izusu was to get their technological input in developing a diesel-hybrid.
Fri Mar 7 2008 7:06 AM
Gamera says

I think their tie-in w/ Isuzu was so they could get better diesel technology & keep up w/ Honda & the Europeans ... they probably have no plans now but if other diesel-hybrids outshine their tech, I am sure that it is coming.
Fri Mar 7 2008 10:35 AM
chris says

i dont think you'll be able to sell a hybrid in europe unless its a diesel.

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