In the 1900’s electric cars were associated with women and viewed as a woman’s
car. Naturally for this reason, men did not
want to be seen behind its steering wheel.
However, the exceptions to this rule were
physicians. (Practicing female physicians
totaled 10% of all practicing medicine at
this time.) They were common end users as
electric cars proved to be more reliable and
safer than gasoline powered automobiles.
Gasoline powered cars had to be hand
cranked, which was not an easy task, and were
substantially dangerous and explosive
because they had to be cranked, hence their
nickname “explosion cars.” By the way, have
you ever been called “cranky?” This term
was used to describe an explosion car that
would not start, it was said to be “cranky”.
During the 1920’s and 30’s, approximately
twenty-four electric car companies were established. So why did the production of electric cars cease? Cost was definitely a factor.
The amount of a Detroit Electric in 1914,
with an Edison Nickel Iron battery upgrade,
was roughly $3,250 (the battery alone cost
$600). In comparison, the same $600 paid
for the Edison Nickel Iron battery would allow
you to purchase two new Ford Model T cars.
Ford introduced the Mustang in Barcelona
JULY 2014 |
Interesting
note
WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
| 15
The expression that someone is “cranky