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energyTHEN: The Hybrid Electric Tank

Length 0:47
Created 07.18.11
Air Date 07.17.11

Energy companies have partnered with the military many times in the past, too, which brings us to the Holt Gas-Electric Tank, the first American-made tank. Take a look in this energyTHEN.

[Film projector plays]

[ASSURAS] It made its debut during World War I and was built to hold six soldiers. Developed by tractor-maker Holt Manufacturing and General Electric, it relied on four-cylinder diesel engines to power two electric motors in order to move the giant tracks. Only one was built. But it didn't move well and never saw combat because the war ended before improvements could be made.

The military tried another electric tank in World War II, but it was an early casualty also, never making it to the battlefield.

This week's "Energy Then" takes us back to World War I and the first American-made tank. The Holt Gas-Electric Tank relied on four-cylinder diesel engines to power two electric motors that move the giant tracks. The tank never actually saw combat because it moved slowly and the war ended before improvements could be made.

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