FAQ #237
Electric Powered Front Wheels (4WD)

Last Updated On 2019-10-08 09:44:37 ET by

adrive7

Question
Is it legal to use electric motors to power the front wheels in a 4WD configuration if the electricity is generated by an alternator?

Rule B.2.5 states that "hybrid-electric drivetrain systems are explicitly prohibited," but it doesn't provide a definition of a hybrid-electric drivetrain. Later, rule B.2.6.3 states that specifically "batteries or other electric storage devices for vehicle propulsion are explicitly prohibited." So, would it be acceptable to use electric motors to power the front wheels provided that we are not storing energy in batteries/capacitors?
Answer
No. Using the gasoline engine to generate electricity which is then used to drive the wheels via electric motors is considered a hybrid electric drivetrain, and is explicitly prohibited. It does not matter if there is a battery in the system, or not, to be considered a hybrid.
No Attachments
Rule Numbers
2020:4WHEELDRIVEALLWHEELDRIVE. 
2020:B.2.5 
2020:B.2.6.3