Why would you start with a hybrid? In many cases the electric motor would not be sufficient to drive the vehicle entirely but itself, and the battery will certainly be inadequate unless it's a plug-in hybrid. If it's a plug-in... just drive it.
And I agree with jbman: the computer side won't be easy and unless your idea of fun is diagnosing and modifying complex electronic systems without full documentation, it won't be fun.
And I agree with jbman: the computer side won't be easy and unless your idea of fun is diagnosing and modifying complex electronic systems without full documentation, it won't be fun.