The first hybrid gas electric car did no longer pop out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power became built by means of the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. Because the gasoline engine became so rough, however supplied greater strength and electric powered vehicles had been smoother, but had constrained range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company desired to deliver a automobile that gave you the pleasant of both worlds.
The first-class component is, it turned into a full hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine become a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, 4-cylinder fuel engine as an auxiliary force device further to the electrical force educate. The electric engine should propel the automobile up to 20 mph. Together with the fuel engine, the dual timber energy should rise up to 35 mph.
The gas engine and electric engine have been linked the use of a magnetic clutch. The fuel engine became magnetized whilst activated (through a lever controlled through the driving force). The copper disk became pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the gas engine.
Only the electrical motor can be used while entering into opposite. Why? Because the engine had no grab and so the gasoline engine had no gears!
The vehicle battery designed for this vehicle was approximately 1/2 the size of the batteries in other electric powered cars of the time. Once the car were given up to 20 mph, the gasoline engine could be engaged, allowing the electric motor and gas motor to paintings together. The battery can be recharged or discharged by any other lever. Recharging turned into accomplished by way of the gas motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or via braking on stage floor or whilst coasting down hills. A traditional brake pedal became handiest used at speeds of much less than 6 mph.
Available for most effective $2650 (do not forget this changed into 1917). Wire wheels were a luxurious, costing an additional $25. Or you may ‘pimp’ your car out for every other $100 (paint and trim).
Ultimately, the first hybrid become a industrial failure. It became built simplest in 1917 and 1918. It become too high priced, too sluggish, and too tough to carrier to be a business success.