I still not sure why someone hasn’t built a hybrid where the gas motor only powers the battery, and is not part of the drive train. My guess is that the government incentives are not there.
The motor would be able to run at the most efficient point on its power curve, and would not have to be large-displacement, high HP unit. A small, air-cooled engine may do the trick.
It would reduce the complexity compared to modern hybrids which have both motors connected to the drive train. It would also be a source of heat in colder regions and would give the owner an alternate way to keep the vehicle going where charging stations or time are at a premium.
—”I still not sure why someone hasn’t built a hybrid where the gas motor only powers the battery, and is not part of the drive train. “
You may want to take a hard look at a Prius.
My wife has a 2015 Prius V, and I love it!
Unsure of other Prius generations.
Basically, the ICE does not drive the wheels, but there is an override in the event of a battery failure there is one speed where the ICE can drive the wheels.
Here is my Guru, this is for interested gearheads:
https://t.ly/8tBE
“ I still not sure why someone hasn’t built a hybrid where the gas motor only powers the battery, and is not part of the drive train. ”
They have. It’s the Honda Insight.