100 miles on one charge

This paper describes one of the outstanding early electric automobiles, called the Fritchle car. Named after its designer and manufacturer, Oliver P. Fritchle, the electric car was first produced in 1905 and uses a battery system that permitted a driving range of 100 miles or more over relatively level terrain between overnight charges. To promote his car, Fritchle undertook an endurance run from Lincoln, Nebraska, to New York City in a 1908 regular production two-seat Victoria model. This endurance run proved the durability and superior operation of the Fritchle electric and earned Fritchle wide personal acclaim and nationwide advertising for his cars. Peak production occurred between 1909 and 1914 when an average of 198 vehicles per year were built. After 1917, production fell dramatically as the early electric car progressively gave way to its gasoline-powered competition.