Electric vehicles are not a new innovation. In fact, ones running on lead-acid batteries were popular from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. Then somebody invented an electric starter for more powerful gasoline motors. This set green automobile energy back a century. We decided it was time to update our photo album of historic electric vehicles.
A Mixed Batch for Our Photo Album of Historic Electric Vehicles
We can’t possibly republish all the images in our photo album of historic electric vehicles because we don’t have the space. However, the description for the electric wagon for U.S. Mail (see top image) notes a twenty-five mile range at ten miles-per-hour on a ‘one battery charge‘. It could carry four tons of mail; no wonder that postman is taking their time.
Meanwhile electric railways were also making their mark. The 1908 photo above is of a ‘line car with platform’ presumably for maintenance. The general manager of The Bradford (England) City Tramways designed it himself. He built it on an old trackless trolley car. The trolley pole on the roof delivered 500 volts that powered two 20-hp motors, with series-parallel control for operation.
A 40-Seater Car from Our Photo Album of Electric Vehicles
The blurb accompanying the streetcar in the photo below makes for interesting reading. It says “The storage battery vehicle operates under the most favorable conditions when the grades are not severe. And it is used for runs covering in all about 25 miles.
“If an electric railway company employs such a motor car as a feeder, the batteries can be easily charged from the regular railway current supply with little loss. Since all of the apparatus is electrical, an ordinary motorman can run the coach.” However, it adds that gasoline vehicles are more suitable for longer distances.
And here we must leave our historic musings for now. We might not be facing such severe climate change if electric vehicle technology held its own.
Related
Detroit Electric Car: History’s Loss
Electric Car History If Only Voltra Persisted
Preview Image: Electric Wagon for U.S. Mail (1890)
