The Electrobat taxi, one of the world’s first all-electric car, was popular with members of high society in late-19th century Manhattan, New York.The inauguration of New York City’s motorized taxicab service on March 27, 1897, promised a cleaner solution. Because Gotham’s first taxis weren’t powered by gasoline—but by electricity.
The taxi fleet experienced substantial growth, expanding from a mere dozen vehicles in 1897 to over 100 by 1899. The Electrobat proved the ideal city car with its rapid acceleration and noiseless ride. However, its speed and quietness posed unforeseen challenges. In May 1899, the press reported that cab driver Jacob German had become the first automobile operator arrested for speeding after whizzing down Lexington Avenue at 12 miles per hour.
The Electric Vehicle Company swiftly expanded its taxi operations to major cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Boston, eventually becoming the nation’s largest automobile manufacturer. However, its rapid expansion proved unsustainable. Operations outside New York were poorly run, and investors felt swindled when a New York Herald investigation in late 1899 revealed the Electric Vehicle Company had fraudulently secured a loan.
The internal combustion engine would drive the next American century, but battery power is slowly returning after a long detour. WhenPerpetual Planet