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Could you write something about Tesla's experiments with electric cars?

Tesla's involvement in this area is best addressed in general terms.  While there is no corroborated evidence that Tesla ever built an electric automobile, he is known to have encouraged others to pursue the idea of electric propulsion.  He defined this as the use of an engine to generate electricity which was transmitted to an electric motor used to turn a wheel or propeller, instead of turning them by direct mechanical means.  If this sounds familiar you're right, as the idea has recently seen a revival by the automobile industry and others under the name "hybrid electric drive."

The earliest reference to electric propulsion is found in the "Problem of Increasing Human Energy" (see online text) in which Tesla advocated the use of an "electric transmission" to drive ships and locomotives.  Late in 1904 he extended this "view of future motive power" to include "the application of electricity to the propulsion of automobiles" by "introducing electricity between the prime mover and the wheels."  [Tesla Said, pp. 77-78]  There can be little doubt his best explanation of the principles involved and the rational behind their application appeared in the Feb. 25, 1917 edition of the New York Herald under the headline "Electric Drive for Battle Ships."  The concept was adopted by the U.S. Navy, eventually including a variety of different size vessels from destroyer escort to battleship.

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