Edison Electric Runabout, circa 1889

Summary

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

United States 

Creator Notes

Built under the direction of Thomas A. Edison.

 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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