History's Innovative Autos
Electric
Automakers have produced electric cars off and on for over a
century. Ohio-based Baker Motor Vehicle Co. was among the most
successful, selling thousands of its electrics to wealthy consumers
(including Thomas Edison) from 1899 to 1915. But while each Baker
(above, a 1912 model) ran on no fewer than 12 cell batteries, its
top speed was just 14 miles per hour. In contrast, many less
expensive, gas-powered cars could exceed 40 mph. Today, as gas
prices soar and battery technology improves, all-electric cars might
well make a comeback.