Step into the history of the electric car

Steam electricity and gasoline

When the development of the car was still in its infancy, electric motors and batteries already existed. From 1828 onward, scale models of cars were being built. In 1888 the first electric car became a reality, two years after Carl Benz developed the first car. From that moment on, electric, steam, and gasoline cars competed with each other in the factories. The advantages of the electric car were the quiet operation and reliability of the electric motor. However, once the electric starter for gasoline engines was introduced and gasoline prices had dropped sharply, electric cars quite literally died out. Due to fuel shortages during the Second World War, the electric car experienced a (temporary) revival. The Peugeot VLVL and the Breguet A2 are fine examples of this.

Side view of Columbia Electric Landaulet in dark blue studio

Columbia Electric Landaulet 1899

This Columbia was reportedly used for VIP transport in New York City. It is literally a horseless carriage, with the horses replaced by two large electric motors. On the box seat you can see, among other things, the driving controls and the volt/ammeter. Note the particularly elegant, hand-painted red pinstripes in the paintwork.

Side view of Hedag Electric Brougham in dark blue studio

Hedag Electric Brougham 1905

Hedag receives a concession to operate taxis in Hamburg after cities like Hamburg and Berlin issue a ban on gasoline-powered taxis. Each front wheel has a heavy electric motor, and the batteries are located under the driver's seat and at the rear. The range is about 80 km, with a top speed of 23 km/h.

Side view of Baker Electric Roadster in dark blue studio

Baker Electric Roadster 1908

With this model, Baker tries to make his electric cars resemble competing models with combustion engines. However, the radiator has no function, and under the hood are the batteries. On the floor by the pedals is the dashboard, which consists of a voltmeter and an ammeter. The charger for the batteries can also be seen here.

Side view of Baker Electric Coupe in dark blue studio

Baker Electric Coupe 1912

This fully electric car served as the model for the little car driven by 'Grandma Duck' in the Walt Disney cartoon series 'Donald Duck'. The Baker is presented as an 'aristocrat of motoring', putting an end to 'the uncertainties of cars with internal combustion engines or steam engines'.

Side view of Detroit Electric Clear Vision Brougham in dark blue studio

Detroit Electric Clear Vision Brougham 1912

'Clear Vision' in this Detroit Electric refers to the foldable front windscreen. The batteries are located in the trunk at the rear. The range of 160 kilometers was highly competitive, and that is why Detroit Electric was one of the market leaders in the field of electric cars.

Side view of Cygnet The Baby Swan Car in dark blue studio

Cygnet The Baby Swan Car 1920

In the 1920s, the Maharaja of Nabha had a smaller version of his Swan Car built. This Baby Swan or Cygnet (little swan) was fitted with an electric motor for propulsion. Both cars are now reunited in the museum as mother and daughter.

Side view of Peugeot VLV in dark blue studio

Peugeot VLV 1941

During the Second World War this electrically powered VLV (Voiture Legere de Ville – light city car) was produced by Peugeot due to the scarcity of fossil fuels, with the permission of the Germans. The rear track width is only 33.5 centimeters, which makes this car resemble a three wheeler.

Side view of Breguet A2 in dark blue studio

Breguet A2 1942

Before the First World War, Breguet built a few luxury six cylinder cars alongside its aircraft. These were of good quality, but not successful. In the period 1941-1945 Breguet was no longer allowed to produce aircraft and out of necessity began producing electric cars. This A2 has six batteries with a range of 65 kilometers at an average speed of 40 km/h.

Side view of Corbin Sparrow Electric Single Seater in dark blue studio

Corbin Sparrow Electric Single-Seater 2000

This so called 'Jelly bean' is officially called PTM, Personal Transportation Module. It is a fully electric three wheeled mini car, designed specifically for commuting. It has a range of about 55 kilometers and a top speed of 120 km/h.