Peugeot's hybrid 4x4 with electric rear axle

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
1 reply · 2K views
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Messages
7,906
Reaction score
15
Peugeot have a new hybrid 4x4
They took a regular front wheel drive car and added an electric motor driving the rear wheels only.
It can run ICE + front wheel only for freeways without the extra drag of permanent 4wd
Electric rear wheel only for in-town/traffic low speed, or Diesel front + electric rear for 4x4.
It can also do regenerative braking with the rear wheels.

The idea is that the cost+weight of the electric system + batteries is less than fitting a conventional 4wd system. And the weight of the batteries over the rear wheels helps the grip.

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/04/30/peugeot_4wd_diesel_hybrid/
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm pretty sure lexus did this a few years ago with one of their SUVs.