πππ’π«π πππ« ππ ππ‘π πππ²: 1980 Briggs & Stratton Six-Wheel Hybrid Concept
Briggs & Stratton, more known for their lawnmower engines, actually developed a hybrid car in 1980. Built on a 1st-gen Volkswagen Scirocco chassis with custom bodywork, it featured a unique six-wheel configuration to support the heavy battery pack in the trunk.
The powertrain combined an 18 hp, 694 cc flat-twin engine (typically used in lawnmowers) with an electric motor powered by twelve 6-volt lead-acid batteries. This setup allowed for 40-60 miles of pure electric driving or a top speed of 68 mph in hybrid mode.
Designed to demonstrate fuel efficiency at the 55 mph national speed limit, the concept aimed for 30 mpg. While never intended for production, it served as an early example of hybrid vehicle development, predating many modern hybrids by decades.
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