1901 Lohner-Porsche Mixte – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

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1901 Lohner-Porsche Mixte

Manufacturer: Lohner-Porsche (K.u.K. Hofwagenfabrik Jacob Lohner & Co. in collaboration with Ferdinand Porsche)
Year: 1901 (market-ready presentation as “Mixte” following the first prototypes in 1900)
Vehicle Type: Hybrid vehicle – an early electric car with an additional gasoline engine acting as a generator (considered the first production hybrid automobile in the world)

Drive Concept: Combination of hub-mounted electric motors and a gasoline engine. The gasoline engine powers a generator that supplies electrical energy to the hub motors; excess power can be used to charge the batteries. This allows the vehicle to drive short distances purely on battery power, while the gasoline engine serves as a range extender for longer trips.
Power Output: The hub-mounted electric motors deliver only a few horsepower each – contemporary sources report approximately 2.5–3.5 HP per motor. Despite the low individual output, the combined power of several hub motors resulted in a total performance that was respectable for its time.
Energy Source and Range: A battery provides the basic energy reserve sufficient for short trips. Under extended use, the battery is recharged by the driven generator, resulting in a significantly greater range than that of purely electric vehicles of that era.
Construction Features:
- The vehicle dispenses with conventional gearboxes and drive shafts thanks to the hub-mounted motors.
- In this model, the hub motors were even integrated into the front wheels and were partially steerable.
- The innovative hybrid concept was groundbreaking at the time.

The Lohner-Porsche Mixte was developed by Ferdinand Porsche, who was then in the service of Jacob Lohner.
The vehicle is regarded as one of the first hybrid automobiles in automotive history – often referred to as the first functional hybrid car in the world.
The pioneering technology of the Mixte laid the foundation for future developments in electric and hybrid drive systems.
The concept of hub-mounted motors and electro-mechanical power transmission has had a long-term influence – ranging from modern hybrid vehicles to applications in other areas, such as rail transport.

Design (Exterior & Interior):
- The Mixte features a box-like wooden body reminiscent of traditional carriage construction.
- Large wooden spoked wheels and a high body accentuate its historical character.
- The interior is designed simply and functionally, with a focus on the innovative technology.
Exhibition at Classic Expo Salzburg 2021:
- At the exhibition, a specimen of the Lohner-Porsche Mixte was displayed in excellent condition.
- The vehicle attracted significant attention due to its faithful representation of early hybrid technology.
- The exhibition offered a unique insight into the technical innovation and the history of this model type.
Condition and Restoration:
- The exhibited vehicle appeared either as a lovingly restored original or as a highly detailed replica faithfully executing historical plans.
- The meticulous restoration (or high-quality replica) showcased all essential components – from the battery to the gasoline engine and the hub-mounted motors.