A 1918 EV with 42 Batteries and Impressive Range
This 1918 Detroit Electric Model 75B went under the hammer at Monterey Car Week, boasting an impressive 80-mile range, surpassing the 73-mile EPA rating of the 2011 Nissan Leaf.
A classic example of early electric vehicle (EV) technology was showcased during Monterey Car Week, where a 1918 Detroit Electric Model 75B was sold. This vintage EV advertised an original range of 80 miles using lead-acid batteries, which is notable given the limited technology of the time. However, the true context reveals that the 80-mile figure was from an advertising claim for a vehicle with a top speed of 20 mph.
The Technical Specs:
- Batteries: Forty-two lead-acid batteries (21 at the front and 21 at the rear) powered a single 4.28 horsepower motor.
- Steering and Speed Control: The car lacked a steering wheel; instead, it featured a long lever for steering and a short one for setting speed, both of which folded away when parked.
- Production and Popularity: Detroit Electric was a legitimate manufacturer, producing roughly 13,000 cars between 1907 and 1939, with notable customers including Thomas Edison, John D. Rockefeller Jr., and Clara Ford.
The End of an Era:
Despite its advanced engineering, the Detroit Electric faced challenges due to the introduction of the electric starter motor by Cadillac in 1912. This innovation eliminated the need for a crank handle, which was a significant selling point for early EVs. Additionally, the high price tag, with a Model 75 listed at $2,175 in 1918 (approximately five times the cost of a Model T), contributed to its eventual decline.
Modern Relevance:
The story of the Detroit Electric resonates in today’s EV market, where rising prices and changing incentives are once again shaping consumer choices. Just as in the early 20th century, cost is a significant factor, alongside technological advancements and range, in determining modern EV popularity.