The development is based on the observation that only 10-15 horsepower is
required to propel a compact or mid-size automobile along a level road at a
steady 60-70 mph. leading to the conclusion that this relatively small amount of
electric power would be able to cope with 70-85% of normal driving, only aided
by the combustion engine during start up and when extra energy is required for
acceleration and hill climbing.

The systems puts hybrid electric motors on the outside of the rear wheels
with an onboard charger.

The system is expected to debut on the market next month. $3300 for purchase
and $600 for “professional installation”.

Honestly, mark me intrigued but questioning. For example,

Some questions and reasons for wondering, but still pretty intrigued with
this ingenious approach to tackling the challenges of the huge existing fleet of
internal combustion engine vehicles and moving miles from gasoline to
electricity.

Widespread adoption of
PHEVs can reduce GHG emissions from vehicles by more than 450 million metric
tons annually in 2050 – equivalent to removing 82.5 million passenger cars from
the road.

There is an abundant supply
of electricity for transportation; a 60% U.S. market share for PHEVs would use 7
percent to 8 percent of grid-supplied electricity in 2050.

PHEVs can improve nationwide air quality and reduce
petroleum consumption by 3 million to 4 million barrels per day in 2050.

But do we have 43 years to do this?
Why not start
with today’s automobiles?

Hat tip to AutoBlogGreen.