First hybrid gas electric car came in 1983, but in 1917. Woods double power was built by the Woods motor vehicle company in Chicago. Because gas engine was so rough, but offers more power and electric car was smooth, but had limited range, wild woods motor vehicle company deliver a car that you gave the best of both worlds.

The best part, it was a full hybrid (hear GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was in addition to electrically driven hybrid 12-PS, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an aid station system included. Electric motor the car could offer up to 20 mph. together with the gas engine, double tree power could get up to 35 mph.

Gas engine and electric motor was connected via a magnetic clutch. Gas engine was magnetized be enabled (by a lever) controlled by the driver. Copper disk dragged against flywheel combines with gas engine electric motor.

Only the electric motor can be used, at the same time goes in reverse. Why? Because the engine had no link, and so the gas engine had no gear!

The car battery is about half as large as other batteries in electric cars for this car time was designed. When the car received up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be involved so that cooperation between the electric and gas motor vehicle. Battery can be charged or released by another lever. Charging of gas engine (speeds of more than 6 mph) or the brakes on a flat surface was down hills fahrendem idle. A conventional brake pedal was used only at a speed of less than 6 mph.

Available for only $2650 (remember, this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxury, it costs an additional $25. Or you could "pimp" your vehicle is off for another $100 (paint and trim).

Finally the first was a commercial failure hybrid. It was built in the years 1917 and 1918. Service for a commercial success was too expensive, too slow and too heavy.