The Briggs & Stratton Hybrid Car: A Unique Blend of Efficiency and Innovation

TLDRDiscover the fascinating history of the Briggs & Stratton hybrid car, a pioneering vehicle that combines a gas engine with electric power. Learn about its unique features and how it was ahead of its time

Key insights

🚗The Briggs & Stratton hybrid car featured a gas engine and electric power, making it a forerunner in hybrid technology.

⚡️The gas engine and electric motor in the car were connected in parallel, allowing the driver to select between the two power sources.

🔋The car was powered by a 72-volt DC battery pack consisting of 12 6-volt lead-acid batteries, providing ample power for its hybrid capabilities.

🌍Briggs & Stratton aimed to showcase the potential of smaller engines in cars and reduce reliance on fossil fuels during a time when hybrid technology was still in its early stages.

🧰The Briggs & Stratton hybrid car was designed by automotive designer Brooks Stevens, who created a custom bodywork for the vehicle.

Q&A

What was the purpose of building the Briggs & Stratton hybrid car?

The purpose was to demonstrate that cars could be made with smaller engines and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

How fast could the Briggs & Stratton hybrid car go?

The top speed of the car was around 60-68 miles per hour.

How many miles could the car travel on electric power alone?

The car could travel around 40 to 60 miles on electric power alone.

What type of batteries were used in the car?

The car used 12 6-volt deep-cycle lead-acid batteries to power its electric motor.

Who designed the bodywork of the Briggs & Stratton hybrid car?

The bodywork of the car was designed by automotive designer Brooks Stevens.

Timestamped Summary

00:01The Briggs & Stratton hybrid car was a pioneering vehicle that combined a gas engine with electric power.

02:52The gas engine and electric motor in the car were connected in parallel, allowing the driver to choose between the two power sources.

07:02The car was powered by a 72-volt DC battery pack consisting of 12 6-volt lead-acid batteries.

09:26The purpose of the car was to showcase the potential of smaller engines and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

10:53The car's top speed was around 60-68 miles per hour.

14:00The car could travel around 40 to 60 miles on electric power alone.

16:53The car used 12 6-volt deep-cycle lead-acid batteries to power its electric motor.

18:09The bodywork of the car was designed by automotive designer Brooks Stevens.