Adding an electric motor to a gas powered vehicle

[carbonaltima]

I've had an idea for a while now that I'm still working out. On a front wheel drive vehicle we could add an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. It could be mounted in the trunk and use a chain through a cut in the floor that would either connect to the sprocket on a modified axle or on the inside of the tire itself. We could use a fork lift motor. It would be sufficient for city driving.

Has anyone tried this. Did anyone use a different method for an ev hybrid project vehicle?

[dcb]

yup, theres a few threads on various diy hybridizations. Borrowing a small 4wd or key components is a recurring thought too. I think coyoteX managed to get a motor connected to a driveshaft. There's probably a couple EV's that carry a small generator for that matter, though probably on the sly. Also there was a "5th wheel" approach that has been utilized, where a small wheel can drop down and push the car with electric power. And probably a few I'm forgetting.

[Phantom]

I have thought about that before my plan was to get the rear axle from a RWD V6 that matches the width of my Grandprix. Mount the motor to the axle and wire it up to a three way switch ICE-ICE/Electric-Electric and wire a relay that will start the ICE when the electric motor voltage drops below XX.

I never got anywhere on this as I do not have the money to do this on my DD or the cash to get a project car.