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Victor WoukAmerican scientist, engineer
Date of Birth: 27.04.1919
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Victor Wouk: Pioneer of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Contributions to Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Recognition and Legacy
- Later Life and Legacy
Victor Wouk: Pioneer of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Early Life and EducationVictor Wouk was born in New York City in 1919 to immigrant parents from Minsk, Belarus. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Columbia University in 1939 and a Doctorate of Philosophy from the California Institute of Technology in 1942.
Contributions to Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Wouk's work in the field of electric and hybrid vehicles began in 1959 with the development of the Henney Kilowatt electric car. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he continued to innovate and design electric and hybrid systems for automobiles.
Notably, Wouk converted a Buick Skylark to an electric-rotary hybrid vehicle, featuring a 20-kW electric motor and a Mazda RX-2 rotary engine. This prototype, tested by the Environmental Protection Agency, showcased a 50% reduction in fuel consumption and a 9% exhaust emission rate compared to gasoline-powered cars.
Recognition and Legacy
For his groundbreaking work, Wouk earned the moniker "the grandfather of American electric and hybrid vehicles." He actively participated in the standardization of electric and hybrid vehicles, serving on committees at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Later Life and Legacy
Victor Wouk passed away in New York City on May 19, 2005. His archives are held at the California Institute of Technology, preserving his legacy as a pioneer in the development of sustainable transportation technologies.
