Edison Electric Runabout, circa 1889
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Thomas Edison had this car built about 1889 to investigate electricity as a power source for automobiles. The three-wheeled vehicle has two electric motors, each separately connected to one of the front wheels. Having successfully operated the car, Edison put it aside for several years. He reactivated the runabout in 1905 to test experimental nickel-iron alkaline batteries.
Thomas Edison had this car built about 1889 to investigate electricity as a power source for automobiles. The three-wheeled vehicle has two electric motors, each separately connected to one of the front wheels. Having successfully operated the car, Edison put it aside for several years. He reactivated the runabout in 1905 to test experimental nickel-iron alkaline batteries.
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
circa 1889
Creators
Edison, Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847-1931
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Built under the direction of Thomas A. Edison.
Keywords
On Exhibit
On Loan - Automotive Hall of Fame (Dearborn, MI)
Object ID
29.1337.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Arthur Williams.
Material
Steel (Alloy)
Metal
Wood (Plant material)
Leather
Color
Dark blue
Black (Color)
Gold (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 49 in
Width: 52 in
Length: 96 in
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