[edsheppa]

and will be used in a hybrid configuration to both drive the car as needed and to charge the batteries for electric motors at each wheel. It will be, unlike the PRIUS, a plug-in set up that can be charged overnight to complement dynamic charging on coast or while braking.

Yes, plug-in diesel hybrids are a good next step, but the next after that is to eliminate the mechanical drive train altogether.

[RightWhale]

eliminate the mechanical drive train altogether

You'll need wheels and wheel bearings. Even the diesel-electric locomotive has wheels.