History of the Hybrid Cars

The history of the hybrid car is much longer then one may think.  Hybrids are not an invention that just popped onto the scene.  Hybrids have, in fact, been around for quite some time.  Take a look at the history of the hybrid car from its beginnings in the 1800's.

1839 - Robert Anderson created the very first moving vehicle that used electricity as power.

1889 - Dr. Ferdinand Porsche built his first car called the Lohner Electric Chaise, which also happened to be the world's first front-wheel drive car, and could travel for about 40 miles using just the battery alone.

20th century - Henry Ford and the advent of his gasoline, self-starting engine that could be mass produced on assembly lines that led to the decline in hybrids. Once Ford was able to greatly improve upon the gas engine, mainly reducing loud noise and offensive odors, the electric vehicle dejectedly took the backseat in the automotive industry.

1970s - New interest in a vehicle that uses electricity sparked due to high gasoline prices. In West Germany, the Volkswagen company produced a hybrid car called the VW Taxi. This vehicle was designed to switch between an electrically powered motor and a gasoline engine, much like the hybrids of today.

1975 - In the United States, AM General, which was a division of American Motors (AM), began producing electric vans for government. Laws were also soon enacted that enabled the auto industry to work with the government for the improvement of hybrid vehicles and their components.

1980s - Several different companies tried their hand at developing their own unique hybrid cars, none of which were very powerful or could hold a charge for as long as our fast-paced society would require.

1992 - Toyota announced its plans to develop a vehicle that would produce the lowest possible emissions and would therefore be the best for the environment.

1994 - Toyota Motor Corporation asked their engineers to create a vehicle combining the use of gasoline as well as electricity, but also doubled in fuel economy.

1997 - The Toyota Prius was unveiled to the Japanese market, a full two years ahead of schedule, selling nearly 20,000 cars that first year. Audi began mass producing a hybrid vehicle in Europe, the Audi Duo, although its minimal success was very short-lived and then discontinued.

1999 - Honda created the Insight, a two-door hybrid that received several awards due to its favorable mileage ratings.

2000 - Toyota introduced the rest of the world to the Prius, making it the first four-door hybrid available in the US.

2004 - there was a six month waiting list for consumers who wished to purchase the car as Toyota proudly proclaimed it to be the best selling vehicle they ever had.

The future is bright for hybrid cars as technology continues to advance, finding ways of saving more energy, using less fuel, and needing less maintenance. Now, there are several automobile manufacturers that have a variety of hybrid models, including SUVs available on the market today.