For a while now owners of Prius 2004+ cars have had the option, if they have the cash and desire to pay the "leading edge" premium, to convert their cars to plug-in hybrids. The kits come from one of two providers:
EDrive Systems or
Hymotion (who also does the Ford Escape Hybrid, if you can find one.)
Oops, make that three. Now there's hybrids plus. Funny how fast these things can progress when we humans put our heads to it, eh?
But what if you really really like your current car? Wouldn't it be great if you could just rip out that gas engine and put in a hybrid system? Well, guess what...
It's just around the corner (two lights down past the Golden Nozzle, after the bump...)
Now you're thinking that sounds like a whole butload of work -- new engine, new transmission to fit new engine, electric motor and the big battery. And then there are all those intractable computer electronics to work in and integrate. And everything is going to have to fit.
Well, what if you didn't need a transmission. Heck, what if you didn't even need brakes? What if we put the motor, you know that round thing that goes around and around, in, say that those other round things that go around and around -- yes, the wheels.
Really powerful motors in all four wheels. What could be more spiffy? How about a self-contained computer control system that does regen braking, ABS and traction control, and with a bit of work, stability control. Now you've got all the bells and whistles. Oh and did we mention four wheel drive? And that your break pads never wear out, because you don't have any?
Well, someone darn well did it, and they are serious about it, too. Not wanting to hotlink you'll just have to go there to see their demonstration product: a PHEV MINI.
http://www.pmlflightlink.com/...
They make some pretty neat VAWT gensets too.
Now this isn't yet for the average consumer -- they are more for the well-off who like to show off a bit, and heck if they are willing to pay that "leading edge premium" so that later on this technology can reach the masses eventually, I say let them strut.