The Evolution of Electric Cars: A Comparison Between 1917 and Today

Step into the past and parallel present with a fascinating look at the evolution of electric cars, comparing the Detroit Electric Model 68 from 1917 with the modern Tesla Model 3. This journey through time will highlight the incredible advancements in technology, design, and functionality over the past century.

Introduction to the Detroit Electric Model 68

My garage today is home to two vehicles from different eras in the history of electric cars: a sleek and advanced Tesla Model 3 and a vintage Detroit Electric Model 68 from 1917. While both are electric, they differ immensely in terms of technology, design, and functionality. This article will explore these differences and highlight the advancements that have been made over the past century.

Battery Technology: Past and Present

The battery technology of 1917 cannot be compared to what we know today. According to the brochure from 1917, the batteries were of an “exclusive design” and consisted of 42 individual 2-volt lead-acid cells—these were housed in rubber rectangular boxes, stacked in wooden crates. The available Edison-manufactured nickel-iron batteries, which were an expensive option, nearly doubled the cost of the car and doubled the range as well.

In contrast, the Tesla Model 3 features a highly integrated battery charger within the vehicle itself. These modern chargers require only connection to a raw power supply. This technology has significantly reduced the complexity of electric car ownership, making it more user-friendly and efficient. The Tesla’s battery pack, with its 75 kWh capacity, provides a range of around 300 miles at 65 mph, underscoring the immense leap in battery technology over the past century.

Charging and Powering: From Motor-Generator Sets to Integrated Chargers

Charging these vintage and modern electric cars involves vastly different mechanisms. In 1917, the Detroit Electric utilized a motor-generator set where the motor was powered by AC or DC mains, driving a DC generator to provide charging current. The charger was an external unit, requiring a direct connection to the battery. The alternatives for charging back then included a mercury tube rectifier, which presented a more complex and less user-friendly experience.

Today’s integration of battery chargers within the vehicle has eliminated the need for cumbersome external charging devices. Modern chargers can connect directly to the power supply, making the charging process seamless and convenient. This evolution reflects advancements in electrical engineering and the ongoing refinement of user-centric design principles.

Tire Technology and Performance

The tires on the Detroit Electric Model 68 were quite skinny, which limited traction and cornering ability. Due to their design, these older tires make the vehicle noticeably wider, with the 1917 model being twice as tall as the Tesla. In contrast, the Tesla Model 3 boasts tires that are optimized for a more balanced design, enhancing both performance and safety.

Despite the differences in tire design, the performance metrics of the two vehicles are quite similar when considering their top speeds. The 1917 Detroit Electric can reach a top speed of 25 mph, much slower than the Tesla Model 3’s 162 mph. However, considering the aerodynamics of the Detroit Electric, it performs surprisingly well.

User Interface and Controls: Past and Present

The user interface and controls of the Detroit Electric Model 68 are drastically different from the modern Tesla. The Tesla has enough electronics to power several high-end gaming PCs, featuring advanced touchscreen technology and user-friendly controls. On the other hand, the Detroit Electric’s controls are quite basic, with a simplified lever for steering and a lever for acceleration and deceleration. The steering mechanism, known as a tiller, is reminiscent of vintage farm equipment, far from the intuitive technology we have today.

The driver of the Detroit Electric sits on the left of a rear bench seat, with the passenger to the right. Interestingly, the design includes a small cushioned box in front of the driver for a child and a swivel chair in the front right, which can face either forward or backward to act as a distraction. Compared to the Tesla Model 3, these controls are antiquated and require a bit of practice to get used to.

Price and Affordability

Interestingly, when the Detroit Electric Model 68 was released in 1917, it cost $2,175, an incredibly high price at the time. When adjusted for inflation, this is approximately $46,500 in today’s dollars, making it comparable to the cost of a top-of-the-line Tesla Model S. The incorporation of the expensive Edison batteries could nearly double the price, reflecting the significant savings in the costs of modern battery manufacturing and technology.

Restoration and Future Prospects

The 1917 Detroit Electric is currently not operational but is undergoing restoration. Once the restoration is complete, I hope to conduct a short test drive shortly. The challenge of operating the Detroit Electric lies in mastering the unique controls, particularly the tiller steering and finding the right speed to move slowly without causing a surprise. However, with practice, these challenges can be surmounted.

The journey of electric cars from 1917 to today is a testament to the incredible advancements in technology, design, and functionality. While the Detroit Electric Model 68 and the Tesla Model 3 may look quite different on the surface, both are designed to avoid the need for a gas station, with most of the time spent refueling in a personal garage. The future of electric cars continues to evolve, ensuring that both past and present innovations remain relevant for generations to come.