[max_frontal_area]

did a quick search but not much luck... wondering if i were to turn
my '80 front engined, front wheel drive diesel rabbit with dead rear wheels
(solid axle [torsion type] fixed spindles and 2 tapered roller bearings per wheel) into an electrically hybrid assist by driving ONE rear wheel.
the concept which is likely not new is to turn one of the rear wheels into a live, driven one by using an electric motor to be used during light/medium cruising.
i have been musing the possibility of removing the torsion axle and replacing it with IRS to be able to extend the exterior downwards and to upgrade the rear suspension simultaneously.
doing so would also allow options for adding a live axle from a small rear wheel drive car - providing mounting points match up.

these are quick questions i have in order to consider feasibility:

1 can it be clutched with an heavy duty A/C clutch
2 would a 20 horse motor be sufficient?
3 how much would it cost/ does one exist, to build a simple 3 position
controller?
4 can it be 12v DC so a generic alternator can charge the paired
trojan t-105*s

Completely gutted the vehicle could weigh 1700 lbs possibly even less,
which would keep the additional payload in a realistic realm.

at 65 MPG on diesel this could easily go over 100 MPG.

thank you for creative input and clarification!