[templar]

There are no electric "engines." Only electric "motors." ;)

Actually, according to Websters definitions, either term could be used interchangeably. (really, look it up). It is far, far more common to refer to electric motors as 'motors' not as engines, particularly in the US. Calling an IC engine a motor is completely common though.

I mentioned this idea (motor in wheels) on a thread once and was promptly imformed by Freeper engineers that it wouldn't work for various reasons (don't remember the thread and it's been quite a while). Maybe some engineers could comment on this. Also on what the use of the new (neodymium) 'super' magnets would mean to this type of arrangment as far as efficiency and power output.

[Capitalist Eric]

Actually, according to Websters definitions, either term could be used interchangeably.

Well, Websters doesn't get into the technical aspects of many things...

An engine converts chemical energy into mechanical energy, while a motor converts electrical (or magenetic) energy into mechanical energy...
And for the record, a generator converts mechanical energy into electrical or chemical energy (the latter is relatively rare, as a percentage of generator applications).

Be well.

[Boiling point]

I am kind of a techno-geek, and have purchased some of those "rare earth" magnets to play around with. They are awesome and expensive! One about 1.5" dia.x .5" thick is about $12 surplus price. They are actually dangerous to play with! It cannot be removed from a piece of metal without a pair of vice-grips. If you get two of them that size close enough to attract each other, any flesh between them is coming off in a very painful fashion, which will need to be relieved with a helper with a pair of vice-grips! Great for fridge magnets too, no need to stick a picture of your kid up...just stick the kid.