EV Charging is Not New
We can be forgiven for believing that Tesla Motors invented the electric vehicle. Before the Tesla Roadster, and more notably the Model S, the EV industry was so small as to be non-existent. However, if you go back to the late 19th and early 20th century, EVs were widespread. In 1899, the fastest car in the world was electric. The electric La Jamais Contente “Never Satisfied” was the first car to break 60 miles per hour and held the land speed record until 1902.
Electric vehicles were popular with women and were used for delivery vehicles in cities. Charging in those days was not as straightforward as today with the chargers looking less than safe with a dizzying array of dials, indicators, and switches.
A Woman Demonstrates an EV Charger Circa 1912.
For public street charging, at least one manufacturer sold a pedestal-mount unit.
The Curb Charging Station by Clarence E. Ogden.
One of the more unique charging solutions was this fleet of trucks charging from an electrical system recessed into the floor. This makes for a cleaner installation than most present day charging systems.
Electric Delivery Trucks Charging
In some ways these early EV charging solutions are ahead of the current chargers being deployed in the US. Curbside chargers are largely non-existent and the simple non-intrusive design of the in-ground truck charging is inspiring. Perhaps we can learn some old tricks from these early pioneers while maintaining our present-day charger safety and convenience features.
