electric beetle - lose gear, keep diff?

[jeremy_rutman]

The braking is taken care of by the motor controller.
When you hit the brake the motor gets rerouted as a generator,
sending power back to the batteries and back-torqueing the
wheels (slowing the car). Its called regenerative braking.
Only if you really slam on the brakes do
the mechanical brakes kick in.

I read recently that 60% of fuel used in the city is wasted on
braking. With 50% regen braking efficiency I stand to gain
30% fuel efficiency off the bat.

Anyone happen to dig up any blueprints?

[Bruce2]

The gear carrier supports the forward end of the pinion shaft, so I don't think you will be able to remove it.

The R&P reduces the speed of the pinion shaft by either 4.375:1, 4.125:1, or 3.875:1.