Homebrew Hybrid concept. Would it work?

[dremd]

I could have sworn that I posted the idea in a Hub motor thread someplace, but I can't find it so I guess I did not.

Other Idea: Toyota Matrix/ Pontiac Vibe AWD

My inspiration came from this http://www.europeancarweb.com/projec.../photo_11.html But it looks pricey to say the least, I'm considering 5th wheel again.

Ninja Edit: for the How 2 for my car http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3017529

[jcantara]

The cheaper, easier, beer-budget..ier way would be to take an FWD car and attach hub motors in one or two of the rear wheels. I don't see why AWD/4WD would be beneficial, aside from using an existing differential, but you don't need one at all with one (or two) electric motors. You could even rig up something beer-ier with a powered fifth wheel, or even a friction drive to one of the rear wheels. You'd run into problems converting an AWD/4WD into essentially (as far as the gasoline motor is concerned) 2WD; you'd end up having to weld the center differential which (in my experience) won't last too long.

[jcantara]

Also, yes differentials do spin the axle when the wheels are spinning, otherwise there'd be no such thing as engine braking