This week in 1903: The all-electric vehicle

It is tempting to regard the all-electric vehicle as a relatively modern development but, as this piece from the archives demonstrates, engineers were taking the concept seriously as far back as 1903.

'Electrically-driven vehicles would appear to be coming much more into use,' wrote the magazine, pointing to some interesting developments on the other side of the Channel.

'Our neighbours across the Channel are many of them making electric cars,' reported the article, pointing to the development of the double electric Phaeton by the Compaigne de L'industrie Electrique of Geneva. 'The double electric Phaeton… is a distinctly handy car — we have ridden in one, so are in a position to judge. Though it cannot be termed fast, since its speed is limited as a maximum to 12½ miles an hour,' declared

.

'The makers inform us that this low speed has been chosen, since the car is intended primarily for use in towns. It is — largely in consequence of its batteries — a fairly heavy carriage, weighing as it does some 2865lb.'