Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance electric power assist

i was reading about the honda insight, and the toyota prius. they use electric motors to assist when under load, because there gas engines are so small.....(i think you know where i'm going with this.)

has anyone came up with an aftermarked device that could do this on "normal" cars? i couldn't find any. some sort of electric motor that would attach to the rear wheels, a battery in the trunk, and button on the dash to activate/deactivate. (of course it would be more complicated then that. it always is.)

just an idea...

You could probably retrofit something basic for around 10 grand & adding several hundred pounds easily. (the automakers lose big bucks selling the electric & hybrid cars they cost so much - Think CAFE ratings here)

You would not be able to use normal batteries or any generic style electric motor.

I suggest doing a little research into how the hybrids are designed & how they work and it will quickly answer your questions...

well, i read more, but it just got me more interested:

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/auto/article/0,12543,220824-2,00.html