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The 1st hybrid gas electric car did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Energy was constructed by the Woods Motor Vehicle Firm of Chicago. Because the gas engine was so rough, but supplied a lot more power and electric cars were smoother, but had restricted range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Organization wanted to provide a vehicle that gave you the greatest of both worlds.

The finest portion is, it was a complete hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that integrated a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the automobile up to 20 mph. Together with the gas engine, the dual wood power could get up to 35 mph.

The gas engine and electric engine have been connected making use of 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 while going in reverse. Why? Simply because the engine had no clutch and so the gas engine had no gears!

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

Available for only $2650 (bear in mind this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxury, costing an further $25. Or you could 'pimp' your vehicle out for yet another $one hundred (paint and trim).

Ultimately, the very first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was constructed only in 1917 and 1918. It was as well expensive, too slow, and as well challenging to service to be a commercial success. wholesale electricity prices