Your analysis will weaponize my counterargument.
As I understand, with a single speed you want twice the horsepower to compensate for not having a low gear. This compares well with the original 36HP.
Somewhere I did an analysis of the weights involved (to include that shift rod), and deduced the electrified vehicle would have close to the stock dry weight. Especially with the newest batteries just announced.
Hanging a motor on the transaxle would weigh
at least twice as much, and just burn up clutches.
If you want me to deliver, maybe we could meet halfway -- at Bonneville.