1917 Woods Dual Power – the First Hybrid Car

The initially hybrid gasoline electric powered car did not occur out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Twin Electric power was constructed by the Woods Motor Automobile Company of Chicago. Due to the fact the gas engine was so tough, but provided more electricity and electric autos were being smoother, but had confined variety, the Woods Motor Motor vehicle Firm desired to supply a automobile that gave you the very best of both equally worlds.

The finest section is, it was a entire hybrid (hear up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that integrated a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary travel method in addition to the electric travel practice. The electrical motor could propel the vehicle up to 20 mph. Jointly with the fuel engine, the dual wooden electricity could get up to 35 mph.

The fuel engine and electric powered motor have been linked using a magnetic clutch. The fuel motor became magnetized when activated (by a lever controlled by the driver). The copper disk was pulled versus the flywheel connecting the electric powered motor to the gasoline motor.

Only the electric powered motor could be employed while likely in reverse. Why? Simply because the motor had no clutch and so the gasoline engine had no gears!

The motor vehicle battery created for this auto was about half the measurement of the batteries in other electrical automobiles of the time. At the time the car or truck bought up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be engaged, allowing the electric powered motor and fuel motor to do the job alongside one another. The battery could be recharged or discharged by one more lever. Recharging was done by the fuel motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on level floor or when coasting down hills. A typical brake pedal was only employed at speeds of considerably less than 6 mph.

Obtainable for only $2650 (try to remember this was 1917). Wire wheels ended up a luxurious, costing an added $25. Or you could ‘pimp’ your auto out for one more $100 (paint and trim).

In the long run, the first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was created only in 1917 and 1918. It was also high-priced, far too gradual, and way too complicated to company to be a professional good results.

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