first hybrid electric vehicle
The first hybrid electric vehicle, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company's Dual Power, emerged in 1916 as a groundbreaking innovation in automotive technology. This pioneering vehicle combined an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, setting the foundation for modern hybrid technology. The Dual Power featured a 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a battery system. At speeds below 15 mph, the car operated solely on electric power, demonstrating remarkable efficiency for its time. When higher speeds were required, the gasoline engine would automatically engage, providing additional power and simultaneously charging the batteries. The vehicle's sophisticated system allowed drivers to switch between power sources, offering flexibility in urban and highway driving conditions. This early hybrid could reach speeds of up to 35 mph and had a range of approximately 48 miles when operating on electric power alone. The innovative design included regenerative braking, a feature that was far ahead of its time, capturing energy during braking to recharge the batteries. Despite its limited commercial success, the Dual Power established the fundamental principles that would later revolutionize the automotive industry and influence the development of modern hybrid vehicles.
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