Abstract: A system for powering a vehicle includes a DC motor adapted to be coupled to a vehicle axle when the vehicle is to be driven in reverse or forward at a speed less than a threshold, and an AC motor adapted to be coupled to vehicle axle when it is to be driven forward at a speed exceeding the threshold. An AC generator adapted to be driven during motion of the vehicle generates an AC current for powering the AC motor when the AC generator is coupled thereto. An operator-controlled rheostat is used to control the speed of either the AC or DC motor. A switching system uncouples the AC generator from the AC motor and couples a battery to the DC motor through the rheostat when the vehicle is driven in reverse or forward at a speed less than the threshold. The switching system also serves to uncouple the battery from the DC motor and couple the AC generator to the AC motor through the rheostat when the vehicle is driven forward at a speed exceeding the threshold.