1(Of a vehicle, machine, etc.) driven by electric motors powered by current from a generator which in turn is driven by a petrol engine; compare "diesel-electric".
2(Of a generator) driven by petrol.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Motoring Annual.
Definition of petrol-electric in US English:
petrol-electric
adjective
1(Of a vehicle, machine, etc.) driven by electric motors powered by current from a generator which in turn is driven by a petrol engine; compare "diesel-electric".
2(Of a generator) driven by petrol.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Motoring Annual.