As early as 1915 Fred was beginning to think about the possibilities hybrid petrol-electric engines offered. In fact he took a patent out in 1915 for an internal combustion engine, electric motor and and a generator on one shaft. This was not developed further until the 1920s when Fred and his brother George began to investigate the possibilities further.
By 1925 Fred had taken out a final patent for what he called the ‘Petrelect’ system, or what we call today a hybrid engine. It followed the same principles of today’s hybrid engines.
Why not find out about Fred’s ‘Petrelect’ system by using our Augmented Reality app on the above image with your smartphone or tablet?
