“which is why WE don’t drive cars with diesels running electric motors. It could be done, no doubt.”
Sure it could... I did the math years and years ago. A 50Hp Diesel could produce 300 foot pounds of torque to the ground and get 75 miles to the gallon. And simple rule of thumb, less going in the front means less coming out the rear.
The all or nothing concept is just never going to work. This would be a great compromise that would work well!
This sounds like a business opportunity, FRiend!