1917 Woods Dual Power

The 1st hybrid gas electric vehicle did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was built by the Woods Motor Vehicle Business of Chicago. Because the gas engine was so rough, but supplied much more power and electric cars were smoother, but had limited range, the Woods Motor Car Company wanted to supply a vehicle that gave you the best of both worlds.

The best portion is, it was a full hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that integrated a 12-hp, four-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive method in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the car up to 20 mph. With each other with the gas engine, the dual wood power could get up to 35 mph. For more information sure to visit continue reading.

The gas engine and electric engine were connected using a magnetic clutch. The gas engine became magnetized when activated (by a lever controlled by the driver). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the gas engine.

Only the electric motor could be utilized although going in reverse. Why? Simply because the engine had no clutch and so the gas engine had no gears!

The vehicle battery designed for this car was about half the size of the batteries in other electric vehicles of the time. After the car got up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be engaged, permitting the electric motor and gas motor to operate with each other. The battery could be recharged or discharged by one more lever. Recharging was carried out by the gas motor (at speeds more than 6 mph) or by braking on level ground or when coasting down hills. A conventional brake pedal was only used at speeds of much less than 6 mph.

Readily available for only $2650 (bear in mind this was 1917). Wire wheels had been a luxury, costing an added $25. Or you could 'pimp' your automobile out for another $100 (paint and trim). Detailed information about the above article is located at san diego used car dealers site.

Ultimately, the very first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was built only in 1917 and 1918. It was as well expensive, also slow, and too tough to service to be a commercial accomplishment.