The first hybrid fuel electrical auto did not occur out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Electrical power was developed by the Woods Motor Automobile Firm of Chicago. Since the gas engine was so rough, but equipped a lot more electrical power and electric autos were being smoother, but experienced restricted variety, the Woods Motor Car or truck Organization wanted to provide a car that gave you the most effective of both equally worlds.
The ideal element is, it was a total hybrid (pay attention up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that involved a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary push procedure in addition to the electric powered generate coach. The electric engine could propel the auto up to 20 mph. Jointly with the fuel motor, the dual wooden electric power could get up to 35 mph.
The gas motor and electric motor were connected using a magnetic clutch. The fuel motor became magnetized when activated (by a lever managed by the driver). The copper disk was pulled versus the flywheel connecting the electrical motor to the fuel motor.
Only the electric motor could be utilised when likely in reverse. Why? For the reason that the engine experienced no clutch and so the fuel motor had no gears!
The motor vehicle battery developed for this car was about 50 % the dimension of the batteries in other electric automobiles of the time. At the time the vehicle bought up to 20 mph, the gasoline motor could be engaged, allowing the electric powered motor and gas motor to get the job done together. The battery could be recharged or discharged by a different lever. Recharging was completed by the fuel motor (at speeds about 6 mph) or by braking on stage floor or when coasting down hills. A regular brake pedal was only made use of at speeds of considerably less than 6 mph.
Out there for only $2650 (remember this was 1917). Wire wheels ended up a luxury, costing an additional $25. Or you could ‘pimp’ your car or truck out for a different $100 (paint and trim).
In the long run, the very first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was designed only in 1917 and 1918. It was much too expensive, too sluggish, and much too hard to service to be a commercial achievements.