• I had no idea that electric cars were a thing before internal combustion engine vehicles. From Three Maintenance Philosophies Fought for Control of the Auto Industry,

    Gasoline-powered internal combustion engines were arriving at the same time, but they were a pain to run. Owners who could afford it hired a chauffeur to repair and drive the complex machines. The electric vehicles were so easy to use that they were marketed especially to women. An advertisement for Rauch & Lang Electrics listed the advantages:

    Electric Car Supremacy Every member of your family can drive it—no chauffeur needed. It offers all of the best qualities of a gasoline car without any disagreeable features—danger from gasoline——offensive odors of oil——grime, dirt, and the difficulties attending its operation…. Its upkeep is far below that of the gas car, to say nothing of the depreciation difference…. No machinery to get out of order—no mechanician needed—no engine trouble—no nerve racking gear clashing—no exhaust noise to disconcert the timid—nothing, but just the enjoyment of rapid transit in an easy, luxurious, delightful manner.

    Rauch and Lang Electric Car Advertisement Source: Works in Progress