Electric Car in America, 1890-1922

The electric vehicle seemed poised in 1900 to be a leader in automotive production. Clean, odorless, noiseless and mechanically simple, electrics rarely broke down and were easy to operate. An electric car could be started instantly from the driver''s seat; no other machine could claim that advantage.

But then it all went wrong. As this history details, the hope and confidence of 1900 collaps...