Review of Electric Hybrid Vehicles
The definition of electric hybrid vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle is that this vehicle has combined conventional propulsion with a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). The RESS has to be capable of improving its fuel economy over that of a conventional vehicle.
Unlike the first hybrid vehicles to come out to the market, today’s version does not just rely on a conventional engine and electric batteries. With advances modern technology, the kinetic energy from the braking system is now converted to electricity. In addition many use the electric motors during idling time to reduce not only fuel consumption but also emissions.
Most hybrid vehicles have a smaller displacement conventional engine than their non-hybrid counterparts. This in itself increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
What most people do not realize is that the hybrid vehicle has been around for over 100 years. Ferdinand Porsche produced the first hybrid in 1901. He utilized a gasoline engine to power electric motors mounted on the wheels.
In 1915 Woods Motor Vehicle had a 4-cylinder internal combustion engine along with an electric motor that used both for propulsion of the vehicle. This vehicle ran on pure electric power until reaching a speed of 15 mph when the main engine would engage propelling the vehicle to an amazing 35 mph for that time.
Erich Gaichen made the most amazing hybrid vehicle in 1931. This hybrid car combined an electric motor and compressed air powered motor to propel and recharge the battery. The battery was recharged by the electric motor when the vehicle was traveling down an incline. A compressed air cylinder could also charge the battery if no incline was within reach at the needed recharging point of the battery. The vehicles vibrations also activated several small air pumps that recharged the air cylinder itself.
It is true that the modern era of the hybrid did start in the 1960’s by Victor Wouk. But the true reach into history of the electric hybrid vehicle starts back in 1901.
