To me, the ultimate hybrid would be a 20 hp gasoline engine to top up the batteries when needed. But having both "full' electric and "full" combustion capacities in the same car didn't make sense.

Batteries low on the highway? Stop for a coffee break and let the engine do its topping up.

And the excess heat from that 20 hp gasoline engine could turn another small turbine to generate more electricity.

But let's be thankful for the early adopters. We might not be where we are today without their "investment."