Woman with rectifier and electric car (1912)
A 1912 photograph of a woman charging an early electric car prompts reflections on how far – and how little – EV technology and infrastructure have progressed. Commenters contrast the convenience and energy density that helped gasoline cars win in the 20th century with today’s advances in batteries, motors and charging networks, while noting persistent pain points like fragmented payment systems and limited range. Many explore counterfactuals (what if electric had beaten gas early on?) and broader questions about energy policy, climate impacts, and the social and political forces that shape which technologies dominate.
Photo and Vehicle Details
- Commenters note the absence of a steering wheel; the car uses a side steering tiller bar with exposed linkage.
- The rectifier is part of a home charging setup; people share related historic photo series and videos of similar GE electrics and Baker electrics.
- Several mention that early electrics were marketed heavily to women as cleaner, safer, and easier than crank-start ICE cars.
Early EV Performance and Technology
- Early electrics reportedly achieved ~30–40 miles of range at ~20 mph, comparable in range to modern PHEVs on battery but at much lower speed.
- Motors were brushed DC, less efficient and higher maintenance than today’s induction/BLDC motors; cheap, high‑power electronics for AC drive did not exist.
- Historical range comparisons: early ICE cars often exceeded 100 miles; some electric models managed 50–80 miles but at significant weight and battery limitations.
Why ICE Beat Electric Historically
- Dominant explanations: vastly higher energy density and cheapness of gasoline, trivial range extension via jerrycans, lack of electrical infrastructure (especially rural), and emerging needs for speed, long trips, and freight.
- The electric starter (c. 1911) removed the main usability advantage of electrics over hand‑cranked ICE.
- Several argue even huge extra investment back then wouldn’t overcome chemistry and materials limits; lithium‑ion required late‑20th‑century science and manufacturing. Others think more focus might have accelerated battery and solar research somewhat.
Modern EV Experience and Charging
- Strong praise from some EV/Tesla owners: smooth electric drive, long‑distance travel via fast chargers, Autopilot/FSD as “magic,” high performance, in‑car entertainment.
- Others criticize Tesla’s ride quality, noise, missing comfort/safety features, service delays, and see FSD as a stressful gimmick requiring constant oversight.
- Widespread frustration with charging UX: fragmented networks, mandatory apps/accounts, 2FA, privacy loss.
- Many advocate simple card tap with pre‑auth, noting EU/Norway mandates and a US federal program (NEVI) that requires no‑account access.
- Debate over cash: some say unattended chargers would be vandalized if they held cash; others point out gas stations still handle cash. Vehicle‑based authentication is seen as convenient but risky for rentals and fees.
Broader Reflections and Counterfactuals
- Discussion on whether an “electric-first” 20th century would reduce oil use or simply shift combustion to coal‑fired electricity.
- Some emphasize EVs match well with decentralized solar; others highlight off‑grid and winter limitations.
- Speculation about what will look obviously wrong in 100 years: plastics, underinvestment in nuclear/solar, poor defenses of democracy, and social resistance to lifestyle change.