[duncan]

Hi Camosoul

It won't be "a wash" - it will be terrible!

If you want bulletproof and reliable it is difficult (impossible) to beat a good old diesel drive system

For your goal
I want a better drive system powered by an engine(s) that create redundancy and are easier to work on

Diesel pickup with a generator on the back

a huge engine producing only 25HP as it cruises along at 55mph is wasteful in dragging the whole massive friction/displacement contraption that it is along for the ride. 3 400cc engines running in their most efficient range is better than one engine that is an order of magnitude larger running nowhere near it's efficiency range.

Unfortunately that is NOT the case - a six liter diesel like a Cummins at 25Hp will be MORE efficient than a 400cc generator engine

The efficiency drop with a diesel on part load is much much less than the drop with a petrol (gasoline) engine

Now then if your goal is to mess about with electric propulsion because its fun -
then I am with you
But it won't be;
Cheaper, more efficient, more reliable

It can be great fun and totally different and your baby

If that is what you want - these guys can help you produce something awesome