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Originally Posted by John M. Dwyer
But back to the main point - the difference between diesels and hybrids.
They are actually different technologies - a diesel is a form of "two-stroke" engine. This means that the power cycle is completed in one down and one up stroke. A hybrid generally refers to a combination of power technologies. Usually this means an HEV - hybrid electric (-gasoline) vehicle.
Clearly, both technologies can occur in the same vehicle - thus the references to diesel hybrids in this thread. Currently, however, hybrids use a four-stroke gasoline engine rather than a diesel engine. The two major hybrid configurations at this time are the serial (or "mild") hybrid produced by Honda in which the engine is constantly running and the parallel (or "full") hybrid of Toyota and Ford in which the engine is used only when the battery is not sufficient to power the vehicle by itself.
Other possible hybrid configurations which might be available in the future include combining electric, fuel cell, fossil fuel, and maybe even other esoteric power systems.
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This is not entirely accurate. Yes there are two stroke diesel engines out there. These however, are large industrial engines, and used to be used in medium and heavy duty bus and truck engines. The two stroke diesel for on highway use has long since been phased out in new commercial vehicle assembly, and has never been in service in the diesel light duty passenger car and truck markets. These engines are four stroke engines, just like a gasser.