Are Old Cars Really a Good Choice for Young Drivers?

Safety First - There’s a certain charm to vintage cars that captivates young people. These vehicles, often associated with a sense of nostalgia and individuality, are admired for their classic designs and the uniqueness they bring to the road. In particular, many drivers in their 20s find old cars appealing because they stand out in a crowd. However, beneath their aesthetic appeal lies a question worth exploring: Are old cars truly suitable for young people?

(This image is for illustration purposes) Are old cars really a good choice for young drivers? (Picture from: iStockPhoto)

Research suggests that the allure of old cars may come at a price. A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2014 revealed concerning statistics about the safety of vintage cars for teenage drivers. According to the study, nearly half of the teenage drivers aged 15 to 17 who died in car crashes between 2008 and 2012 were behind the wheel of cars at least 11 years old. These findings highlight a critical issue—older vehicles often lack modern safety features that can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

One major factor contributing to the problem is the absence of advanced safety technologies in older cars. Features such as electronic stability control, airbags, and collision-avoidance systems are commonplace in modern vehicles but were either absent or less effective in cars manufactured over a decade ago. This gap in safety features becomes even more alarming when paired with the fact that many young drivers are unaware of these technologies or their importance. In fact, the IIHS study found that only a small fraction of teenage drivers, just 3%, were familiar with electronic stability control.

Beyond safety concerns, the preference for older cars among young people is often driven by financial considerations. For many teenagers and their families, affordability is a significant factor when choosing a vehicle. New cars, while equipped with the latest safety features, often come with a price tag that is out of reach for most young drivers. As a result, older cars become a more practical option, despite their potential safety shortcomings.

(This image is for illustration purposes) A variety of vintage and classic cars are displayed at the Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth. (Picture from: Liputan6)

This issue is not exclusive to the United States. Similar findings were reported in the United Kingdom. Research conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) in 2011 showed that half of the accidents resulting in death or serious injury to young drivers involved vehicles more than a decade old. These parallels across different regions underscore a universal challenge: balancing affordability and safety for young drivers.

 

While the data paints a concerning picture, the situation also highlights the need for better education and awareness about vehicle safety. Young drivers and their families can benefit from understanding the risks associated with older vehicles and prioritizing safety features when selecting a car. Governments, manufacturers, and insurance companies also have a role to play in making safer vehicles more accessible to young drivers through subsidies, incentives, or affordable financing options.

Ultimately, the choice between a vintage car and a newer model goes beyond aesthetics or budget. It’s a decision that can have profound implications for the safety and well-being of young drivers. For those enamored by the charm of old cars, it’s worth considering whether the trade-offs in safety are worth the risk. By prioritizing education, accessibility, and awareness, we can help young drivers make informed choices that align with both their aspirations and their safety.

 

In the end, every journey matters. Whether it’s the thrill of owning a classic car or the practicality of a safer, newer vehicle, what truly stands out is the value of protecting lives. For young drivers, the road ahead is full of possibilities—and making wise choices today can pave the way for countless safe and fulfilling adventures tomorrow. *** [EKA | FROM VRIOUS SOURCES | LIPUTAN6 ]

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Gen. MacArthur's Mysterious Packard: Fact or Fiction?

📢Mysterious ONES🫵 - Stumbling upon intriguing stories while surfing the web is always a delight, and a recent Facebook post by Jeep Captain on July 7, 2024, is no exception. It recounted the tale of the Packard Clipper Eight sedan allegedly had owned by General Douglas MacArthur, a prominent American military figure during World War II. This story, however, has sparked a mix of fascination and skepticism among the public.

The 1942 Packard Clipper Eight sedan, allegedly owned by General Douglas MacArthur during World War II, is believed to be one of the replicas made by David Schmitt. (Picture from: Jeep Captain in Facebook)

In 1942, General Douglas MacArthur was said to have ordered a Packard Clipper Eight sedan, equipped with nearly every available option, including air conditioning, overdrive, and a radio. According to the tale, MacArthur did not simply order the car; he saved it from being disassembled for its parts to build PT boats, claiming it as war material. It's said that the base price of the car, initially $1,341, nearly doubled to $2,600. The car remained in MacArthur's possession until 1948, when he gifted it to his driver.

The Army staff car, a 1942 Clipper used by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, resides at America’s Packard Museum. (Picture from: NYTimes)

Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
(Picture from: Britanica)

For the next three decades, the car languished in a barn in Texas. How come? MacArthur had arranged for the car to be shipped to San Diego via the aircraft carrier Princeton, and from there, it was transported on a military flatbed to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, before being released to his driver in Dallas. The driver intended to have the military hardware removed and the car repainted, but he passed away before this could happen. The car was left untouched for years, and it's said still containing MacArthur's old army hat and his famous corncob pipe.

The 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Eight Army Staff Car, a replica of the 1942 WWII Army staff car used by US General Douglas MacArthur, was crafted by David Schmitt. (Picture from: Schmitt)

Despite the captivating narrative, the article fails to provide the current location or owner of the car, is believed to be one of the replicas made by David Schmitt. However, according to the NYTimes, the original 1942 Packard Clipper Eight sedan once used by Gen. Douglas MacArthur is currently housed in America's Packard Museum. 

The replica of the 1942 WWII Army staff car used by US General Douglas MacArthur is adorned with an impeccably maintained blue interior including MacArthur's old army hat and his famous corncob pipe. (Picture from: Schmitt)

Moreover, a reader's comment on the Facebook post vehemently denies the story, labeling it as fake. The commenter, a member of the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), claimed to have debunked the story along with his friend, Darwin Lumley. They pointed out several inconsistencies, such as MacArthur's preference for Cadillacs and the fact that the ship purportedly bringing the Packard back to the United States was sunk off Luzon in Leyte Gulf before the car could have been shipped.

The 1934 Cadillac V16 Series 90 Fleetwood Transformable Town Car Cabriolet, used by Manuel L. Quezon from 1934-1937 and then by General Douglas MacArthur, may now reside in a museum in the Philippines. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The debunkers highlighted further discrepancies, noting that MacArthur favored Cadillacs during his time in the Philippines, where he owned two Cadillacs with the license plates USA-1 and USA-2. Additionally, the improbability of the Packard making its way back to the USA aboard a sunken vessel raises serious doubts about the authenticity of the story.

The 1950 Chrysler Crown Imperial limousine served as General MacArthur’s personal staff car during its heyday. (Picture from: Hagerty)

Another interesting point raised was the rarity of the 1942 Packard. Most car companies introduced their new models in November, but Packard launched their line in March. Due to the war, all 1942 Packards were immediately requisitioned as war material, with their engines being used in PT boats—two engines per boat. Only a small number remained as staff cars, and the majority of these ended up in Burma (now Myanmar). There, parts inventories and small-scale machine shops kept the 1942 Packards in use as taxis until the 1980s.

The 1950 Chrysler Crown Imperial limousine that served as General MacArthur’s personal staff car now sits on display at the MacArthur Memorial Museum. (Picture from: Philstar)

The tale of General MacArthur's Packard Clipper Eight sedan is undoubtedly a fascinating one, filled with historical intrigue and mystery. Whether true or not, it underscores the allure and mystique surrounding rare wartime vehicles and their supposed ties to legendary figures. Even if the story has been debunked, it remains a captivating piece of automotive folklore, sparking the imagination and curiosity of car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. What do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AMERICASPACKARDMUSEUM | MACARTHURMEMORIAL | HAGERTY | JEEPCAPTAIN | OCALAAUTOREPAIRS | NYTIMES | SCHMITT | PHILSTAR | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOHISTORY.ORG ]

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Unleashing the Bulls: Lamborghini's 350 GTV and 350 GT Take on Ferrari

Unique ONES - The Lamborghini and Ferrari brands are iconic in the world of luxury and performance cars. Both hail from Italy, a country renowned for its rich automotive heritage. The story of these two giants is deeply intertwined with rivalry and innovation, each pushing the other to new heights of engineering and design excellence.

The Lamborghini and Ferrari both are Italian famous premium auto makers and also known as rival one each other in the world's automotive industry since the 1960s. (Picture from: id.Phoneky)

Ferrari was the first to emerge on the scene, founded by Enzo Anselmo Ferrari in 1929. Ferrari quickly became a symbol of speed and sophistication. In 1964, however, Ferruccio Lamborghini launched the Lamborghini 350 GT, marking the start of a fierce competition between the two brands.

A disassembled Ferrari 250 GTE at the Lamborghini Museum might be Ferruccio's personal car, connected to the stories surrounding the founding of the Lamborghini car company in the 1960s. The tale began when Ferruccio complained to Enzo Ferrari about the clutch in this car. (Picture from: SCMP)

Ferruccio Lamborghini was a successful entrepreneur before venturing into the automotive industry. He initially made his fortune through a tractor manufacturing company. As his wealth grew, he indulged in a passion for high-performance cars, one of which was the Ferrari 250 GTE. This car, however, led to a pivotal moment in automotive history.

The Lamborghini 350 GT was the company's first production model, and debuted at the 1964 Geneva Auto Show. (Picture from: Otoblitz)

After experiencing issues with his Ferrari's transmission, Ferruccio approached Enzo Ferrari with a complaint. Enzo's dismissive response—that Ferruccio was merely a tractor maker with no understanding of race cars—spurred Ferruccio to prove him wrong. This challenge catalyzed the creation of Automobili Lamborghini in 1963, based in Sant'Agata Bolognese. 

The Lamborghini 350 GT was a triumph, featuring a body constructed by Carrozzeria Touring using their patented 'Superleggera' method. (Picture from: LamboCars)

Determined to compete with Ferrari, Ferruccio Lamborghini assembled a team of top talents, including Giotto Bizzarrini, who had designed many Ferrari engines, and engineers Giampaolo Dallara and Giampaolo Stanzani. He also recruited test driver Bob Wallace. Their collaboration led to the creation of Lamborghini's first prototype, the 350 GTV, which debuted in May 1963.

1963 Lamborghini 350 GTV was a Lamborghini prototype and forerunner of its first production model named Lamborghini 350 GT. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

The Lamborghini 350 GTV featured a 3,500 cc V12 engine designed by Bizzarrini, capable of producing 320 horsepower. This prototype was a statement of intent, showcasing Lamborghini's commitment to high-performance engineering. However, it was not suitable for mass production. Dallara and Stanzani quickly set about redesigning it for the consumer market, leading to the launch of the Lamborghini 350 GT in March 1964 at the Geneva Auto Show.

Lamborghini 350 GTV was very sleek and streamlined, with a very low hood that incorporated one of the better pop-up headlight designs of all time. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The 350 GT was a triumph, featuring a body constructed by Carrozzeria Touring using their patented 'Superleggera' method, which involved affixing aluminum alloy panels to a tubular structure. The car measured 4,640 mm in length, 1,730 mm in width, and 1,220 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,550 mm. It boasted independent four-wheel suspensions, a differential Salisbury, and vacuum servo-assisted Girling disc brakes. The 350 GT could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (60 mph) in just 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 254 km/h (158 mph).

Lamborghini 350 GTV used a Bizzarini's 3,500 cc V12 engine that produces 320 hp of power. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The production of the Lamborghini 350 GT was limited to 120 units before it was succeeded by the Lamborghini 400 GT in 1966. Some of the 350 GTs were later fitted with the larger 4.0-liter engine from the 400 GT, further enhancing their performance.

Lamborghini 400 GT received a larger 3,9 liter version of the engine built by Giotto Bizzarrini and tuned for the new model by Gian Paolo Dallara. (Picture from: Forum Forza)

The rivalry between Lamborghini and Ferrari has continued to drive innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. This competition has led to the creation of some of the most remarkable sports cars in history, each brand striving to outdo the other in terms of speed, design, and technological advancement.

Today, Lamborghini and Ferrari are synonymous with luxury, performance, and prestige. Their storied pasts and ongoing rivalry ensure that both brands remain at the forefront of automotive innovation. This competition, born out of a moment of personal affront, has fueled decades of progress and excitement, captivating car enthusiasts around the world. As long as there are roads to drive and dreams to chase, the saga of Lamborghini and Ferrari will continue to inspire and thrill.  *** [EKA [11082019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | SCMP | LAMBOCARS | TOPSPEED | FORUM FORZA ]

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The UFO Cars of 1969: Gerry Anderson's Unearthed Sci-Fi Rarity

SHADO Treasures - Gerry Anderson, known for his iconic sci-fi puppetry in the '60s, surprised everyone in 1969 by delving into a new realm – a little-known show featuring live actors. If you're yearning for a touch of silver catsuits and purple wigs in today's society, this journey back to 1969 might be just what you're looking for.

SHADO's Commander Ed Straker's car is a notable addition to the UFO car series featured in Gerry Anderson's visionary sci-fi TV series from the 1960s. (Picture from: Hemmings)

In the realm of '60s sci-fi and Gerry Anderson's visionary creations, this lesser-known gem not only provided a glimpse into an imagined future but also left an indelible mark with its unique blend of creativity and practicality. As we ponder the show's idiosyncrasies and innovations, one can't help but marvel at the audacity of envisioning a world where alien defense and stylish cars converged in a captivating symphony of imagination.

The show transported us into the futuristic landscape of 1980, accurately predicted an alien invasion aiming to abduct humans for their body parts – a dark and captivating premise. The defenders against these otherworldly threats were the members of SHADO, the Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization, a club seemingly as exclusive as escaping Virgin Media's relentless mailing list. Intrigued by the title sequence?

The SHADO Commander Ed Stalker's car touted as turbine-powered with power-operated gull-wing doors and a built-in mobile phone. (Picture from: SlotForum)

Derek Meddings, the creative genius behind the show's design, had previously lent his talents to numerous Gerry Anderson productions. For a more in-depth look at his work, particularly the two full-sized vehicles in this TV series—the cars driven by SHADO's Commander Ed Straker and field commander Paul Foster—explore his book, '21st Century Visions'.

Commander Ed Straker's car stood proudly among the operational jeeps of the SHADO board in front of its headquarters. (Picture from: Forum-RetroRide)

The special effects team, well-versed in crafting models for filming, took an unconventional approach when tasked with creating a real car. Alan Mann Racing, renowned for their work on the iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, was given the responsibility, drawing on their expertise in racing Fords.

All cars, including SHADO Commander Ed Straker and Foster's, were built over a six-month period on modified Zephyr-Zodiac Mk4 platforms, equipped with Escort engines and gearboxes. (Picture from: TheNorthernEcho)

The Ford connection added an interesting layer as the UFO cars featured in the series were constructed on Ford Zephyr running gear, equipped with a 1600 Cortina engine. UFO cars, indeed! Colonel Foster sported his own attention-grabbing lilac stunner.

Straker's car is the 'basic' version, while Foster's vehicle boasts added details like air scoops and subtle extensions to alter its appearance. (Picture from: Forum-RetroRide)

Yet, the most prominent in the fleet was the brown coupe used by SHADO's Commander Straker for his daily excursions. This vehicle had its roots in the 1969 movie "Doppelgänger" (also known as "Journey to the Far Side of the Sun"), a film produced and written by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.

Both car bodies (Straker and Foster's) were handcrafted from aluminum, with doors requiring manual lifting by a stagehand off-screen for character exits, as they did not open automatically. (Picture from: SlotForum)

Touted as turbine-powered with power-operated gull-wing doors and a built-in mobile phone, the truth behind the glamour was fascinating. The car, with its aluminum bodywork, sat on a modified Zephyr-Zodiac Mk IV chassis, housing an Escort engine and gearbox.

As you can see, Foster's car appears longer than Straker's; these extensions not only add length but also enhance its sleek appearance. (Picture from: SlotForum)

Contrary to the futuristic depiction, the phone was merely a prop, and the doors required manual effort to lift, as revealed in several pictures. Ultimately, it stands as a testament to the enduring charm of vintage sci-fi, resonating with enthusiasts and curious minds alike, bridging the gap between the past and our present fascination with the unknown.

Foster's car featured prominent air scoops and subtle extensions to the front and rear bodywork. (Picture from: GerryAnderson)

While the 1980s ushered in car phones, the futuristic features of SHADO cars remain unrealized. Similarly, the moonbase hasn't materialized till today. The distinctive gull-wing doors of these cars never became mainstream. In the 1970s, Canada produced just shy of 3000 Bricklins with gull-winged doors. Meanwhile, in the early 1980s, Northern Ireland manufactured fewer than 10,000 Deloreans, famously featured in Back to the Future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GERRYANDERSON | HEMMINGS | DIKNYTVSPACE | THENORTHERNECHO | FORUM-RETRORIDES | SLOTFORUM | BRITMODELLER | EPGUIDES ]

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Optimus Gen-2: Tesla's Next-Level Humanoid Robot Unveiled

Robotic Revolution - Shifting gears from evs to robots, Tesla, the esteemed American automotive and technology giant, grabbed attention at the October 2022 Tesla AI Day. They introduced Optimus, a revolutionary humanoid robot. Touted to bear a production cost below $20,000 or approximately Rp. 306 million, this technological marvel exemplifies Tesla's unwavering commitment to innovation.

Tesla has recently introduced the second iteration of its humanoid robot, aptly named Optimus Gen-2. (Picture from: Dexerto)

Fresh off the heels of this revelation, Tesla has recently introduced the second iteration of its humanoid robot, aptly named Optimus Gen-2. This underscores Elon Musk-owned company's commitment to refining and enhancing the capabilities of the Optimus humanoid robot. Noteworthy improvements in Optimus Gen-2 include the incorporation of flexible fingers adept at delicately handling objects, even as delicate as eggs.

Optimus Gen-2 include the incorporation of flexible fingers adept at delicately handling objects, even as delicate as eggs. (Picture from: Dexerto)

A captivating video released by Tesla captures Optimus Gen-2 in action, showcasing its remarkable ability to boil eggs. The robot, standing at almost 6 feet or 1.8 meters tall, dons a suit as it deftly maneuvers eggs with a finesse reminiscent of a seasoned chef. In this latest footage, Optimus Gen-2 carefully lifts an egg, effortlessly transfers it to the other hand, and places it down without causing any damage to the outer shell.

Optimus Gen-2 can pick up an egg without breaking the shell due to its advanced tactile senses in its fingers. (Picture from: RoboticGizmos)

Beyond its culinary talents, the demonstration video portrays Optimus Gen-2 engaging in a range of activities, from flexing its fingers to performing squats and traversing a room. These movements underscore the robot's potential to assume roles traditionally held by humans in various workplaces. Milan Kovac, an engineer working on the Optimus project, hails Optimus Gen-2 as a humanoid robot with vastly improved capabilities and durability compared to its predecessor.

Optimus Gen-2 weighs 10 kg less than its predecessor, has better balance, and is 30 percent faster. (Picture from: Electrek)

Optimus Gen-2 boasts hands with 11 additional degrees of freedom, courtesy of Tesla-designed actuators and sensors. Kovac notes that the robot's flexible fingers enable it to handle items with smoothness and gentleness. Touch sensors are embedded in all of Optimus Gen-2's fingers, and the overall body is lighter and faster than its forerunner. Notably, this robot boasts a 30% increase in speed compared to the first-generation Optimus, introduced just nine months ago.

Tesla's humanoid robot has come a long way - it was first revealed just as a human in a suit, and now, Optimus can poach an egg like a real chef.. (Picture from: Electrek)

While retaining some key features from Gen-1, Optimus Gen-2 introduces enhancements that align more closely with human movements. The robot is equipped with AI applications and functionality, further expanding its capabilities. Actuators, sensors, integrated circuits, and harnesses contribute to the robot's improved balance and control, with a 10 kg reduction in base weight from the previous version.

Optimus Gen-2 promises various articulation improvements and more precise hand and foot strength sensing. The video emphasizes improved balance, full-body control, and touch sensing on all fingers. Julian Ibarz, Tesla's senior staff software engineer, underscores the authenticity of the showcased capabilities, asserting that the video depicts real-time actions without any CGI or editing tricks.

As of now, it's worth waiting for further developments, due to Tesla has not disclosed yet anything about the further version. Nevertheless, the unveiling of Optimus serves as a compelling glimpse into a future where robots may assume increasingly significant roles in the workforce, potentially reshaping the landscape of employment as we know it. Prepare for a future where the capabilities of humanoid robots like Optimus become an integral part of our daily lives. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GIZMOCHINA | DAILYMAIL | ELECTREK | ROBOTICGIZMOS | DEXERTO ]

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Exploring the Fascinating Journey of Human Evolution

Mind Blowing - Disclaimer: This article is not intended as a reference and is unrelated to any race issues. The content presented is a reconstruction by experts, compiled and summarized from various sources, and based on scientific research findings.

Scientists have discovered a 7.2 million-year-old skull belonging to one of our oldest ancestors and they hope it'll give us a much better understanding of human evolution. (Picture from: ABC.net.au)

The saga of human evolution remains a compelling subject, provoking both interest and debate. Nonetheless, it fuels scientists' unwavering determination to unravel its enigmatic path.

Archaeological excavations at Ga-Mohana Hill North Rockshelter, where crystals and other early evidence for complex behaviors among early Homo sapiens was discovered. (Picture from: CNN)

Human evolution represents the extended transformational journey through which we trace our roots from apelike ancestors. Scientific findings firmly establish that the physical and behavioral characteristics common to all humans evolved from these apelike forebears over a span of roughly six million years.

HaptoClone: A Holographic Technology That Can be Touched

Future TECH - Researchers from the Shinoda & Makino Lab at the University of Tokyo, Japan, have developed a groundbreaking hologram technology that allows for tangible interactions. Named HaptoClone (short for Haptic-Optical Clone), this innovation aims to enhance the realism of holographic communication.

The technology supports an interactive system known as "telehaptic," which enables users to send multi-dimensional hand or facial gestures to friends. Beyond merely visualizing holographic images, recipients can now experience tactile sensations through devices that support the telehaptic system.

The researchers of Shinoda Lab at the University of Tokyo, Japan have developed a machine that replicates real objects as holograms and lets you touch them. (Picture from: IBTimes)

HaptoClone is particularly well-suited for integration with Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) projects. For example, with VR glasses on, one can virtually sense touching a lion while observing it at a zoo.

The functionality of HaptoClone relies on sensors that can instantly capture and interpret kinetic movements. Additionally, the system incorporates four ultrasound sensors that emit ultrasonic radiation pressure, creating the illusion of genuine physical contact with a person or object. The researchers are committed to further developing the haptic capabilities to enrich human communication.

The possibilities seem endless, and in the near future, this technology could revolutionize video chats by allowing users to experience the sensation of touching the person on the other end. It's truly a remarkable advancement in the field of holographic technology.

With ongoing research and development, HaptoClone holds the potential to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world experiences, making holographic interactions more immersive and engaging than ever before. The researchers at the Shinoda & Makino Lab are eager to explore the full extent of this technology's capabilities, pushing the boundaries of communication as we know it. Exciting times await us as we venture into this new era of tangible holograms. *** [EKA [07012016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SHINODA-MAKINO LAB | GIZMODO | IBTIMES ]

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Did you know that the first Porsche car was an electric one?

Unique ONES - One of the leading automotive manufacturers from Germany Porsche, in this year of 2023 entering the age of 75 years since it was first founded by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche on June 9, 1948. As time goes by, the German automaker has a long journey in producing many kind of motorized vehicles, ranging from small scale automaker up to becoming one of the world's automotive giants.

The world's first functional hybrid car named the Semper Vivus (Latin for always alive) by Ferdinand Porsche in 1900. (Picture from: Carmudi)

Besides that, Porsche also has a shiny reputation in the world's car racing. But did you know that the history of this German manufacturer begins with electric-powered vehicles? As quoted from Newsroom.Porsche, the founder of the company of the same name was fascinated by electricity even as a teenager. As early as 1893, the 18-year-old installed an electric lighting system in his parents' house.

The first electric-powered vehicle named Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton designed by Ferdinand Porsche which had been stored in an Austrian garage since 1902. (Picture from: BBC)

In the same year, he joined Vereinigte Elektrizitäts-AG Béla Egger in Vienna. After four years working in there, he steadily progressed from mechanic to head of the testing department. The first vehicle he designed also had an electric drive, so it's not wrong to say that Porsche's history begins with electric vehicles developtment.

The first electric-powered vehicle named Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton designed by Ferdinand Porsche powered by a rear-mounted electrical engine which could reach speeds of 21 miles per hour. (Picture from: BBC)

Once upon a time in 1898, the company where he worked collaborated with a coachbuilder company, Jacob Lohner & Co. As the result at that time was an electric vehicle named Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton which can be categorized as one of the world's first electric cars. 

The Porsche's first electric-powered vehicle was the most energy-efficient car in an 1899 Berlin road race. (Picture from: BBC)

The vehicle was powered by an octagonal electric motor capable producing 3 to 5 hp, made it run up to a top speed of 25 kph only. Only a year later precisely in 1899, Ferdinand Porsche joined with the Viennese coachbuilder Hofwagenfabrik Ludwig Lohner & Co. which known later in early of 1950s to be a scooter manufacturer.

The first electric-powered vehicle named Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton aka P1 or 'Porsche No.1' designed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1898 under commissioned of Jacob Lohner & Co. (Picture from: BBC)

There he developed the electric wheel hub motor. In 1900, the first Lohner-Porsche Electromobile applied with this innovation was presented at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. Also in 1900, Porsche designed the world's first functional hybrid car, the Semper Vivus (Latin for 'always alive'). As a plug-in hybrid concept, the Semper Vivus also runs long distances purely on battery power. 

The first electric-powered vehicle named Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton while sat on display the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany, the plastic placeholders show the original design. (Picture from: BBC)

The combustion engine must be used again to recharge the battery. To save weight and create space for the petrol engine, Ferdinand Porsche swapped the original 74-cell acceptor in his electromobot with a smaller battery of only 44 cells.

Ferdinand Porsche developed his first EV, the P1 or 'Porsche No.1' in 1898, the replica as shown above in the Porsche museum in Stuttgart, Germany. (Picture from: HydraEV)

For the combustion engine, the Semper Vivus relies on a 3.5 hp water-cooled DeDion Bouton petrol engine which is positioned in the middle of the vehicle. The machine also generates electricity which is operated independently, each delivering 20 amperes at a voltage of 90 volts. The technology, marketed as the Lohner-Porsche system, also had applications beyond the sphere of electric vehicles.

Even Ferdinand Porsche had stamped each part of the vehicle with P1, to differentiate it from other models. (Picture from: BBC)

Porsche extended the car's range by not using a battery as an energy source, but instead using a petrol combustion engine to drive a generator and thus supply the wheel hub with electrical energy. One year later, the production-ready version was born as the Lohner-Porsche Mixte. With a front four-cylinder engine, this model copied the Mercedes concept vehicle recently designed by Wilhelm Maybach.

Ferdinand Porsche also designed the world's first functional hybrid car in 1900 called the Semper Vivus (Latin for always alive), and marketed as the Lohner-Porsche system. (Picture from: Porsche)

However, the Lohner-Porsche also demonstrated why electric mobility has failed over the decades; despite its modest power output, the car weighed almost two tonnes. The lack of infrastructure and the short range put an end to electromobility for a long time.

Ferdinand Porsche developed a revised concept hybrid electric car for mass production under the name Lohner-Porsche Mixte in 1901. (Picture from: Carmudi)

The idea was resurrected more than 100 years later: With the development of lithium-ion batteries suitable for use in vehicles and ever more stringent legal requirements for pollutant and carbon dioxide emissions, the focus turned once more to electric drive systems.

Ferry Porsche (centre), his father Ferdinand Porsche (right) and Erwin Komenda (left), 1948, in front of the 356 No. 1 in Gmünd. (Picture from: Motor1)

On this modern day the Stuttgart-based automotive company managed to pave the way for electromobility in the company through Cayenne S Hybrid in 2010. And its development is running rapidly so that now the new Porsche Taycan GTS charges the Porsche electric driving experience with even more intense emotions.

Not only that, recently Porsche has launched another dream all-electric supercar come to set a new world's record at the Nürburgring racing circuit through the Porsche Mission X. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BBC | PORSCHE | HYDRAEV.CO.UK ]

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