P38 Hybrid? (crazy thought??)

Hello!
I'm new on here, but always wanted to own a mk II Range Rover since I was a kid. Now im 26 I finally got one (in fact it's my first car haha)

I managed to find a lovely 4.0 V8 SE with all the bells and whistles working (almost) apart from the odd EAS tantrum it runs like a dream.

Anyway as I stopped to fill up (again) the other day I wondered. Is it a crazy idea to think you could convert one of these into a hybrid. I.E an electric motor (strong enough) to cruise around the city and then the V8 kicks in once you open it up??

(moved to 'engines')

Hello and welcome, I had a similar idea about a decade or so ago where the PTO on the LT230 was used in reverse and a reduction drive box would drive the transfer box up to around 15~20mph on a one way bearing then as you pressed the throttle to go faster the V8 took over. Back then I was reading up on energy recovery from suspension and braking but the whole project was little more than a mental exercise to see what I could come up with.

Pro's=
fuel economy of the V8 only kicking in above a certain speed

Less pollution from the internal combustion engine running for shorter periods of time

Tax advantages to a hybrid vehicle.

Cons=
Sheer weight and rolling resistance of base vehicle.

Weight added with reduction drive box, electric motor & battery bank.

Cost of extra equipment over and above the base vehicle.

Necessary expertise in building it, farming it out would require winning the EuroMillions.


On the whole it's a nice idea but one wasted on a big old cumbersome bus like the P38.

Might be more realistic to gas it and fit an LPG system to lower your running costs

Yes very.
That is all.