Early 20th century electric car set to return for limited sales

Photo: 1915 Detroit Electric Car. Credit: Detroit Electric

The Detroit Electric Car Co, a joint venture between Californian electric car company Zap and the Chinese-owned Youngman Automotive Group, is set to re-release a limited number of electric cars first produced by the Anderson Electric Car Co. in the early years of the 20th century.

The Detroit Electric was produced from 1907 to 1939 and could travel a distance of between 100km to 160km on a full battery, and could manage a maximum speed of between 10km/h and 40km/h. Famous owners include John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Henry Ford and the car has since become a much-sought-after collectable.

Photo: 1912 Detroit Electric at B.C. Hydro's Stave Falls visitor center in Mission British Columbia. Credit: Detroit Electric

Zap co-founder and CEO Steve Schneider told reporters his company jumped at the chance to buy the brand name and added the company would produce a limited range of a re-issued electric car based on a model first produced by the Anderson Electric Car Co about 100 years ago.

An original Detroit Electric car could be purchased in 1914 for about $2,650, compared to a new Model T Ford purchase of $600.

The electric car grew gradually out of favour as the price of a combustible car fell, and they became more reliable. The Great Depression of the 1930's took it toll on the company and it finally collapsed in 1939.

Detroit Electric Car Ad. Credit: Detroit Electric

One of the most innovative electric transportation companies, Zap hopes to use the re-issue as publicity for its new generation of electric vehicles including the three-wheeled Zap Alias.

Photo: Artist's impression of the Zap Alias. Credit: Zap

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