On June 25, 1914, the Detroit Taxicab & Transfer Co. launched its first electric vehicle, complete with a nickel-iron battery developed by Thomas Edison. The taxis could be operated for less than 20 cents a mile, with the company charging riders as much as 70 cents for the first mile and 40 cents a mile after that.
The electric taxis designed and built by the DTTC were very economical and easy to drive. “Curb boosting” is the term used to describe how the vehicles were charged when not in use—that is, they were attached to charging poles at cab stands.
By the mid to late 1920s, as gas engines became more refined and economical, the electric cab began to disappear from the streets of Detroit. But thanks to the growing demand for energy efficient and environmentally friendly transportation, electric taxis are once again being seen on the roads of metro Detroit.
Oak Electric Service is one of southeast Michigan’s leading electrical and renewable energy contractors. Give us a call at (800) 964-7070. We are standing by to answer all of your residential and commercial electrical questions. We will always personally answer your phone call – you will never reach an answering service! Be sure to ask about our “Free Electrical Safety Inspection” with every job. We invite you to visit our website at www.oakelectric.com to learn more about us.
