In spite of generally positive performance out on the road, diesel-electric hybrid drivetrains have had less than stellar success in the North American truck market. So much so that Eaton Corp., a manufacturer of hybrid components, has recently announced that it will discontinue offering hybrid drivetrains in North America.
Perhaps the single-largest factor in the weak market for hybrids has been the (temporary) stabilization of diesel fuel prices at a level somewhat lower than necessary for a quick payoff on the hybrid investment. Although not specifically competitive with hybrid hardware, interest and investment in natural-gas-powered drivetrains also have had negative impacts on hybrid adoption.