The 1st hybrid gas electric car did not occur out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Electric power was designed by the Woods Motor Auto Corporation of Chicago. Due to the fact the gasoline motor was so rough, but supplied additional electric power and electric vehicles have been smoother, but experienced constrained variety, the Woods Motor Motor vehicle Company wanted to supply a car or truck that gave you the greatest of the two worlds.
The finest part is, it was a total hybrid (hear up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that incorporated a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline motor as an auxiliary generate procedure in addition to the electric push prepare. The electric powered motor could propel the automobile up to 20 mph. Alongside one another with the gasoline engine, the dual wooden ability could get up to 35 mph.
The gas motor and electrical engine were being connected utilizing a magnetic clutch. The fuel motor turned magnetized when activated (by a lever managed by the driver). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric powered motor to the gasoline motor.
Only the electric powered motor could be used while heading in reverse. Why? Due to the fact the engine had no clutch and so the gasoline engine experienced no gears!
The car battery created for this motor vehicle was about fifty percent the sizing of the batteries in other electrical autos of the time. The moment the vehicle received up to 20 mph, the fuel engine could be engaged, enabling the electric motor and gas motor to do the job collectively. The battery could be recharged or discharged by a different lever. Recharging was done by the fuel motor (at speeds around 6 mph) or by braking on amount floor or when coasting down hills. A common brake pedal was only used at speeds of a lot less than 6 mph.
Offered for only $2650 (don’t forget this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxurious, costing an added $25. Or you could ‘pimp’ your car or truck out for an additional $100 (paint and trim).
Ultimately, the initial hybrid was a industrial failure. It was designed only in 1917 and 1918. It was much too high-priced, also gradual, and as well complicated to company to be a commercial success.