I find the technology in this vehicle amazingly forward thinking Woods Dual Power - Hybrid Car of 1917 ~ Hybrid Car Review back then gas was $0.08/gal and electricity (here on PEI) was $0.13/KWh!
I'll say fascinating. Interesting how we had this car for over 90 years but until 1998 (or somewhere in that area) with the first prius was the first car to make it popular.
"Ultimately, the first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was built only in 1917 and 1918. It was too expensive, too slow, and too difficult to service to be a commercial success." Ha, how things have changed and not changed. Very fascinating. I would have never guess hybrid technology was around back then.
A really fascinating story, especially the part about being a full hybrid with regenerative braking. It was interesting how the car worked with the different levers, etc. Who would have ever guessed this was available in 1917?
I was just at the Ford Museum last week - but didn't see this car on display. Hate to think I missed it. E.T.A. - I just heard back from the Curator of Transportation of the Ford Museum. They do indeed have a Wood's Dual Power in their collection! He tells me that it is not currently on display, but he expects it to be put into the displayed collection by late 2011.
Of course you can't believe everything you read! This quote could have come from the modern main-stream press in relation to the EVs of the 1990's. The quote might have been just as true in 1918 as it was in 1996.
