Cars Without Engines

So for a little while I have been thinking about modular based vehicles that would take advantage of electric components. I considered a few possibilities and started building some mock ups in Sketchup. The main idea of what is represented so far in this mock up is to isolate as much of the drive and control hardware in modular pockets near the wheels. I think this could lead to more efficient chassis design and also improve repair ability of some aspects of a car. 

In any case. Here the further set of wheels is an earlier model including internal drive with off centre steering  and external suspension. Then I thought it might be interesting if the wheel assembly could be functional on a wider selection of devices so in the second, closer, set I have incorporated drive, steering and suspension into a hub mechanism that uses long life neodymium magnets set up as linear stepper motors for direct steering control. I think a drive system that has highly controllable step coils would be convenient as it could help in increasing efficient at higher speeds and improving torque at lower ones. This system is mounted at the rim level so I am going to look into solid, airless, tires to avoid needing any extra room at the rim.  The I-beams used to depict part of a chassis are not specific to the design and ere just used as modelling aids.

I am trying to develop this idea further before I actually test it or realise it won't work for some reason I have neglected to consider. I would love advice or comments if you have any.