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Back in 1980, Briggs & Stratton raised the bar when it came to electric cars with their groundbreaking Hybrid Electric vehicle. This sporty family sedan was not your typical electric-only vehicle - it was equipped with both a gas engine and an electric motor, giving it a performance edge that was unheard of at the time.
The 18-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, combined with the Baldor electric motor, provided the car with the perfect balance of power and efficiency. On short urban commutes, the electric power was ideal, offering an economic and clean ride at speeds up to 40 mph. But what set this hybrid apart was its ability to power through longer trips with ease.
The Briggs & Stratton Hybrid Electric could maintain cruising speeds of up to 55 mph for nearly 300 miles between gas pumps, thanks to its dual motor setup. If the electric power ran low, the gas engine could kick in and get the driver back home, where they could easily plug in and charge up.
But it wasn't just the performance that made the Briggs & Stratton Hybrid Electric so impressive. The engineering innovations on this car were truly groundbreaking. A separately suspended battery carrier reduced rolling resistance, improving fuel economy and overall performance. An off-the-shelf industrial clutch ensured that each motor only drove the car when it was needed, optimizing efficiency.
To top it all off, the design of the Briggs & Stratton Hybrid Electric was a collaboration between Briggs & Stratton engineers and the automotive craftsmen at Brooks Stevens Design Associates. The result was a car that could comfortably fit two adults, two children, and all the groceries, without compromising on style or functionality.
With its impressive specs and innovative design, the 1980 Briggs & Stratton Hybrid Electric was truly a game-changer in the world of electric cars. It pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time, and set the stage for the future of hybrid vehicles.
