Many people think that hybrids are a new technology thought of only in the 1990s. You may be surprised to know that the idea of creating hybrid vehicles stemmed as long ago as the time of Leonardo da Vinci. Electric vehicles were in existence before gasoline engines found their way on public roads. Here is a quick look on the history of hybrid vehicles.
The Early Centuries
Leonardo da Vinci first thought of flying machines incorporating airfoils and engines although it was only around 400 years later when it was realized by the Wright brothers.
In 1665, Ferdinand Verbiest planned a four-wheeled vehicle that could run on steam or have a horse pull it. Verbiest continued to work on this initial hybrid model for 15 years. In 1769, Nicholas Cugnot created a steam-powered carriage able to run at a maximum of 6 mph. Long distance travel was not viable for the Frenchman's hybrid project.
In 1839, Robert Anderson designed an electric-powered car. It was well-functioning but had flaws like short distance coverage as well as a battery power that still needs improvement in terms of recharging. In 1870, Sir David Solomon invented a lighter motor for a carriage but the battery power was still very difficult to recharge.
During the 1880s, London investors were eyeing on creating an electric taxicab which would have a 28-cell battery system that drives a small electric motor. The initial plans did not go too far but helped develop the 40-cell battery and 3-horsepower electric motor that taxicabs had in 1897.
The vehicles were called Bersey Cabs after Walter Bersey, their inventor. The battery power was significantly improved as well so the vehicles could run up to fifty miles before needing to be recharged. A year later, Porsche created the very first internal combustion and electric hybrid engine. On battery power alone, the Loner Electric Chaise could go forty miles.
The 20th Century
Pieper from Belgium created a gas and electric hybrid which has a 3.5 horsepower motor connected to an electric motor. The engine was located under the seat. The electric motor supports the gas engine when trying to move up steep inclines. In 1905, Piper from the United States received a patent for a design reminiscent to that of Pieper.
In 1910, the company, Commercial Built Trucks produced a four-cylinder gas engine powered by a generator. The invention proved to be better so battery packs and transmission were no longer needed. Hybrid cars reached their peak in 1912, outselling gasoline engine vehicles at a ratio of 2:1. However, the 1920s proved to be a difficult time as Henry Ford introduced mass production of gasoline engines. Prices of gasoline-powered vehicles were at an all-time low spurring people to invest. Electric and hybrid vehicles went through over a 50-year hiatus.
In 1969, hybrid vehicles again found their way into the limelight as combustion engines showed environmental and economic flaws. General Motors designed a car that ran solely on electric power at 10 mph. From 10 to 13 mph, the car travels on both gas combustion and electric power. Above 13 mph, the gas engine fully takes over. In 1973, Volkswagen created the hybrid Taxi which could efficiently switch back and forth between a gas engine and an electric motor. In 1975, American Motors developed electric-powered vans that unfortunately were not very successful.
In 1979, Dave Arthur's improved on the hybrid model and created a mix by using a 6-hp lawn mower engine, several six-volt batteries and a 400-amp electric motor. The hybrid was able to have gas mileage of 75 mpg. In 1989, Audio created the Audi Duo using a 12.6-hp electric engine backed up by a nickel cadmium battery. The front wheels of the Audi Duo were powered by a 2.3-liter 5-cylinder gasoline engine while the rear wheels were powered by the electric motor.
Dawn Of A New Era
In 1997, the Toyota Prius was released to the market and was the first important mass marketed hybrid vehicle all over the globe. The Prius was initially marketed in Japan and sold around 18,000 in the first year alone. In 1999, the Honda Insight surfaced featuring a lightweight two-door design. It had a gas mileage of 61 mpg in the city and 70 mpg on the highway.
In 2000, the Toyota Prius entered the United States which was the very first four-door sedan hybrid in the country. In 2002, the Honda Civic Hybrid arrived featuring similar appearance and drive capabilities as its conventional counterpart.
In 2004, the Toyota Prius II was created and embraced by the American market with open arms requiring maximum production. The Ford Escape Hybrid emerged in the same year which is the very first SUV hybrid. More and more companies are joining in due to the relative advantages and demand. It is only a matter of time before hybrids will dominate the scene just like they did one hundred years ago.
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