The first hybrid gasoline electrical automotive didn’t come out in 1983, however in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was constructed by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. Because the gasoline engine was so tough, however provided extra energy and electrical vehicles have been smoother, however had restricted vary, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company needed to provide a automotive that gave you one of the best of each worlds.
The better part is, it was a full hybrid (hear up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system along with the electrical drive practice. The electrical engine may propel the automotive as much as 20 mph. Together with the gasoline engine, the twin wooden energy may stand up to 35 mph.
The gasoline engine and electrical engine have been linked utilizing a magnetic clutch. The gasoline engine grew to become magnetized when activated (by a lever managed by the driving force). The copper disk was pulled in opposition to the flywheel connecting the electrical motor to the gasoline engine.
Only the electrical motor might be used whereas entering into reverse. Why? Because the engine had no clutch and so the gasoline engine had no gears!
The automotive battery designed for this automotive was about half the scale of the batteries in different electrical vehicles of the time. Once the automotive bought as much as 20 mph, the gasoline engine might be engaged, permitting the electrical motor and gasoline motor to work collectively. The battery might be recharged or discharged by one other lever. Recharging was executed by the gasoline motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on stage floor or when coasting down hills. A traditional brake pedal was solely used at speeds of lower than 6 mph.
Available for under $2650 (bear in mind this was 1917). Wire wheels have been a luxurious, costing an additional $25. Or you may ‘pimp’ your automobile out for an additional $100 (paint and trim).
Ultimately, the primary hybrid was a industrial failure. It was constructed solely in 1917 and 1918. It was too costly, too gradual, and too troublesome to service to be a industrial success.
