Counter-rotating electric motor system for high efficiency operation of a hybrid or electric vehicle

A vehicle that utilizes a CR electric motor that automatically switches between a high efficiency CR motor mode of operation at lower vehicle speeds to a less efficiency traditional motor mode of operation at higher vehicle speeds to generate at least a portion of its propulsive force, comprising:

• (a) the vehicle having two front wheels and two rear wheels;
• (b) a CR motor mounted to the vehicle, wherein said CR motor comprises:
• (i) a first rotational member rotating in a first rotational direction about a central axis;
• (ii) a second rotational member rotating in a second rotational direction about said central axis;
• (iii) a first drive shaft attached to and extending from said first rotational member and rotating in said first rotational direction;
• (iv) a second drive shaft attached to and extending from said second rotational member and rotating in said second rotational direction;
• (v) at least one set of electromagnets associated with one of said first and second rotational members;
• and
• (vi) electrical input means for powering and controlling said set of electromagnets;
• (c) a first means for coupling said first drive shaft to said front wheels;
• (d) a second means for coupling said second drive shaft to said rear wheels;
• (e) means for matching said first drive shaft rotational direction with said second drive shaft rotational direction to produce a common rotational direction for said front and rear wheels;
• (f) means for reversibly stopping the rotation of one of said first and second rotational members while permitting said first and second drive shafts to rotate wherein said first means for reversibly stopping the rotation of one of the first and second rotational members while permitting said first and second drive shafts to continue rotating is a brake and a freewheel/clutch assembly;
• (g) a power source linked to said CR motor for providing electricity;
• and
• (h) a programmable controller in communication with said CR motor and said stopping means that controls both the speed of the vehicle and said stopping means to switch between a first operational mode in which both rotational members are rotating for slower vehicle speeds and a second operational mode in which one of said rotational members is stopped by said stopping means, thereby creating a traditional electric motor for higher vehicle speeds, thereby increasing the overall electrical efficiency for operating the vehicle, wherein said programmable controller utilizes an improved efficiency profile that relates vehicle range versus vehicle speed and when switching from CR motor operation to traditional operation is appropriate for increased vehicle operational efficiency.