19th Century Electric Taxis

19th Century Electric Taxis

PUBLISHED 15 2024

By M.k.karikalsozhan    Blog Reporter

  Introduced in London in 1897 by the London Electrical Cab Company, the Bersey Electric Cab was the city's first self-propelled taxi. Developed by Walter Bersey, these distinctive black and yellow vehicles were powered by a Johnson-Lundell electric motor with a 40-cell lead-acid battery, offering a range of 48-56 km and a top speed of 12 mph. Nicknamed "hummingbirds" due to their unique sound, the Bersey cabs initially gained popularity but faced operational challenges. Their heavy weight caused significant wear on batteries and tyres, leading to frequent breakdowns and high maintenance costs. Coupled with the high cost of electricity, these issues ultimately led to their withdrawal from service by 1899.

[1] **David A. Kirsch, "The Electric Vehicle and the Burden of History" (Rutgers University Press, 2000), pp. 33-34.**

[2] **John F. Bromley, "London Transport Buses and Trams 1933-1973" (Ian Allan Ltd., 2006), p. 67.**

Samuel's Electric Carriage

In 1897, Samuel's Electric Carriage and Wagon Company introduced electric hansom cabs in New York City, starting with a fleet of 12 vehicles that quickly expanded to 62 by 1898. These taxis, known as Electorate, were designed for urban use with features like quick acceleration and noiseless operation. The company's success led to its transformation into the Electric Vehicle Company, which grew to operate nearly 1,000 electric taxis in New York by the early 1900s. Despite their popularity, the electric taxi industry faced challenges, including the need for frequent battery swaps and limited range. The company's operations were eventually halted due to a devastating fire in 1907 and the financial crisis of the same year . 

Advantages and Challenges

 Electric taxis of the late 19th century presented several benefits over their gasoline and steam-powered counterparts. They operated more quietly, produced less pollution, and were simpler to handle, eliminating the need for manual gear changes or hand cranking to start  . These features made them particularly appealing to urban residents. However, these early electric vehicles encountered notable challenges, such as limited driving range and the necessity for frequent battery swaps . 

In response to these challenges, the Electric Vehicle Company in New York introduced an innovative battery swap system at their Broadway workshop. This system allowed for the quick replacement of 1300-pound battery packs using hydraulic pistons . Despite these advancements, the high costs associated with maintenance and electricity, coupled with the rapid technological improvements in gasoline-powered cars, eventually led to the decline of electric taxis in the early 20th century.

Decline and Legacy

 

 

The decline of electric taxis in the early 20th century was precipitated by several factors. The introduction of the electric starter for gasoline cars in 1912 by Charles Kettering eliminated the need for hand cranking, making gasoline cars more user-friendly and appealing . Furthermore, the mass production of affordable gasoline cars, such as the Ford Model T introduced in 1908, made internal combustion vehicles more accessible to the public . By 1935, electric taxis had disappeared from city streets, but their early existence laid the groundwork for future developments in electric vehicles . Their legacy continues to influence modern efforts in sustainable urban transportation, with electric and hybrid taxis making a resurgence in cities like New York, where the Tesla Model 3 was approved for taxi service in 2019 .