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It is possible to add a generator to an electric pickup truck. A friend of mine just threw a generator in the back of his whenever he had a borderline long-distance trip.
The trouble with that is that it's then a serial hybrid, which is what I experimented with in my Electro-Metro.
There were a couple of things that I learned with that project. One is that engines are noisy and smelly and should be put under a hood with a real muffer and be on the other side of the firewall.
The other issue is that with a generator, it ONLY provides energy. It does NOT provide propulsion, heat, or a couple other things that an engine does.
By going with a Parallel Hybrid concept, I leave the engine under the hood, where it belongs. That way, I can still make use of its liquid cooling for winter cabin heat. I still use the the engine to push the vehicle down the road, and connect it to a typical (built-in) fuel system and exhaust.
I like the concept that I will be able to drive the vehicle on EITHER the diesel OR the electric motor. On a SERIAL Hybrid, if you have trouble with either one, you can't use the vehicle. On a parallel hybrid, either one can get you home.
On an EXPERIMENTAL DIY hybrid, redundant systems seem like a REALLY good idea.
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