Between 1907 and 1939, the Detroit Electric electric car was manufactured by the American Anderson Electric Car Company.
During the car’s 32 years in production, a total of 13,000 examples were produced.
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles has a Detroit Electric. (Photo: Marcus Berggren) Marketed as a car for women
At the time, the Detroit Electric was marketed as a car for women. The interior was reminiscent of a living room, while the electric drive meant that you didn’t have to crank the car – something that spared a lot of wrists.
The fact is that Grandma DuckDonald Duck’s grandmother, drove a Detroit Electric.
The similarities to a horse-drawn carriage are striking, which was typical of the time.
The decor was not very modern. (Photo: Petersen Automotive Museum) The internal combustion engine overran
Electric cars were common during the early 20th century, not least when fuel prices skyrocketed during, for example, the First World War.
But on October 1, 1908, the Ford Model T began to be produced – the so-called T-Ford – which is considered by many to be the world’s first affordably priced mass-produced car.
The arrival of the 20th century brought ever lower fuel prices and the market for internal combustion engines began to open up properly.
Range of rank
Another disadvantage of the electric cars of the time was a decidedly limited top speed, as well as a lack of suitable infrastructure.
The Detroit Electric had about 10 horsepower and a top speed of about 30 kilometers per hour.
However, it was enough for a range of 34 miles, which is no shame, even by today’s standards.
Detroit Electric prices have increased recently. (Photo: Petersen Automotive Museum) An upcoming collector’s car
The market for early electric cars has developed strongly in recent years.
In July 2016, a complete renovation was completed Detroit Electric at auction for 66,000 dollars, equivalent to 690,000 kroner.
Last year, one in similar condition was sold for a whopping SEK 1.5 million.
The number of Concours competitions worldwide with specific electric car classes continues to increase.
Despite the fact that so many Detroit Electrics were produced, there are hardly any left.
Those who really want the opportunity to view one should go to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, USA, or alternatively to the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit.
New efforts
It’s not just for fun that we’re writing this, but Detroit Electric history is back in the spotlight after Nev’s new owner, EV Electra is back in the spotlight.
A Detroit Electric bottling was part of a business deal between EV Electra – Nev’s new owner – in 2021.
EV Electra pumped $500 million into Detroit Electric, which seems to have ended with the latter feeling robbed of its ES.01 model.
The question is how far electric cars would have progressed if they had not disappeared from the market until the 90s, when new electric cars began to be manufactured again, not least for the California market.