electric cars seem to be the future of motoring in the USA. however, let us look into the past and see from whence they came. about the middle of the 19th century several people were beginning to think of electrical propulsion for land transport. by 1899 the French B.G.S. firm had made an electric car with a range of 60 miles. they also were able to make one with a range of 180 miles. this was with their own batteries which were lead acid type. some early electrics used iron nickel types of which some are still apparently in use. most of the early electrics though had a range of around 25 to 40 miles per charge. about what your modern electric will do. electrics mainly went out of use because of the cost of electricity being higher than the price of gasoline. now that the reverse is true we see more electric vehicles becoming popular. the first picture is of a Baker Electric called the "Torpedo". this is the first motor vehicle as far as is known to use seat belts. it also set a world speed record in 1902 and another unofficial one of 104mph in 1904. not too shabby. next we have a Baker such as the regular citizen might use. this one i think is 1912. third is another Baker of 1904. fourth is a Rauch & Lang from 1916 and finally a Detroit Electric of 1912. electrics are smooth and quiet and emit no harmful and smelly fumes such as gasoline powered vehicles do. perhaps later on i'll post a little on hybrid vehicles as they are not a new idea either but have been around for a long time.
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