America has long held a lead over other nations when it comes to its favorite mode of transport, the automobile. There have been low times as global warming emerged. However, recent American triumphs with electric cars are beginning to make good. That said, Elon Musk et al are not the father of the American electric automobile. That’s because a certain gentleman named Phillip Pratt claimed that title on July 27, 1888.
The Little-Known Father of the American Electric Automobile
We might have never known of Phillip Pratt, were it not for the editor of Modern Light and Heat. The author of that short-lived journal wrote as follows on August 2, 1888. “We received an invitation last Friday from a gentleman who is giving much attention to electric vehicles.
“Mr. P.W. Pratt of Boston invited us to take a ride on an electric tricycle that had just been completed for him. This was by a well-known electrical manufacturing concern, Fred M. Kimball Company of this city.” Electric Vehicles News disclosed the contraption had 10 lead acid batteries delivering 20 volts to a 0.5 bhp motor. The driver sat above the batteries in the 300-pound monster, and could achieve a speed of 8 mph.
Was This the First American Electric Vehicle Journey?
Who knows? William Aryton and John Perry created their own electric tricycle in Britain in 1881. A similar vehicle may well have arrived in America earlier, but that’s just a guess. In any case, the two gentlemen tricycled around Winthrop Statue in Scollay Square in Boston, no doubt to the amazement of onlookers.
That’s about all we can say except the tricycle motor connected to the driving apparatus by chain gearing. We have no more details on file about the father of the American electric automobile to add. This is another example of history in the making, where the participants apparently did not know their role.
We are living through history in the making ourselves. Consider keeping a diary of your thoughts and feelings, and leaving them to future generations. If you know more about Phillip Pratt and perhaps have a photo, we would love to be in touch.
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The Ayrton and Perry Electric Tricycle of 1881
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Preview Image: John Winthrop Statue in Scollay Square, Boston 1896
