This may be old news to some here, but I just discovered this, and would like to share with those that aren't aware. GM actually had been playing with hybrid theories enough to actually build a modern (for its day) prototype over 40 years ago! Now timing likely wasn't good as gas was cheap back then and probably not enough consumer demand for something like this. But its interesting nonetheless. Here is a previous EM thread that does give mention to it here:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...uilt-5926.html
Here is somewhat expanded info:
Priustoric: GM Builds a Plug-In Hybrid ... in 1969 | Autopia | Wired.com
Now this project really is an eye opener, Victor Wouk's '74 Buick hybrid. Was our own government really (EPA head Eric Stork) to blame for the lack of opportunity of a hybrid like this to succeed 25 years before the Japanese automakers brought hybrid cars to the North American market??
Victor Wouk and The Great Hybrid Car Cover-up of 1974 - HybridCars.com
After reading about Dr Wouk's treatment by the EPA and its head, Eric Stork, I was disheartened. Maybe there is more to the story?
Mods, feel free to move this thread to the lounge if needed? I didn't realize until after I submitted. Apologies.