Call it another spin on electric car technology.

Not exactly a new one, though. Michelin’s Active Wheel system has been around since 2004. But only recently have car makers shown a definite interest, in concert with their initiatives to get electric cars on the road within the next five to ten years.

The Active Wheel incorporates a powerful, efficient electric motor, suspension components and even brakes into the wheel assembley. All you need is an axle to mount it on and a source of power.

The Active Wheel can be used in two-wheel or all-wheel drive systems and Michelin points out that its electric drive system is also a natural for hybrid vehicles.

Michelin showed the latest prototype of it’s Active Wheel at the Paris Auto Show in october. No word, however, on when an Active Wheel production vehicle may be available or how much it might cost.