Did you know that the world’s first hybrid was actually designed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1901? I was amazed when I read about this recently. Apparently, Ferdinand Porsche, the legendary name behind the Porsche automobile company had created an hybrid with in-wheel electric motors and an onboard gasoline engine that was used to recharge the batteries for the electric motors. In the 1900’s, gasoline was dirt cheap and so there was no economic value to having electric cars. Seeing that there would be no demand for this type of vehicle, Porsche scrapped the development of the hybrid. Boy, how times have changed! A mere 100 years later, gasoline prices continue to skyrocket and automobile manufacturers are vying to create alternative fuel cars. Could it be possible that we would be completely independent of oil had these companies continued their research over the past 100 years?

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German luxury sports car-maker Porsche will be introducing a hybrid version of its Cayenne SUV in early 2009, according to a statement issued by the company. The raging debate on climate change in Europe and the stringent emission limits set by the European Commission, that have to be met by 2012 are said to be what prompted Porsche to consider making a hybrid.

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