“ELECTRIC HORSES”

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3666, 10 February 1940, Page 2

“ELECTRIC HORSES”

BBITAIN’S 50,000 NEW VEHICLES DUE TO PETROL SHORTAGE Petrol rationing and increased taxation has-given British manufacturers a chance to show what they •can provide in models of “electric horses,” for heavy haulage, and run-about vans and private cars driven by electricity from ordinary mains. At the outbreak of war fewer than 5000 electric road vehicles were turned out annually, except public transport types depending for current on overhead wires. Now the industry is planning wartime utility designs and preparing for a potential output up to 50,000 vehicles a year. “They run at less than one-third the cost of a petrol car, the taxation is less, there is no wastage at stops, they start immediately in coldest weather, and they are perfectly silent,” said an official of the British Electrical Development Association. “Five of London’s world-famous stores have used electric vans for many years, and thousands of overseas visitors to London take back vivid recollections of the familiar blue-and-silver vans of the Savoy Hotel. One of them has been doing its 40 miles a day since 1921 without overhaul. “Designs are now being drawn up up for private runabout cars, suitable for shopping expeditions or for professional or social calls. They will do 35 miles on. one charge, and black-out hours allow more than enough time for recharging from the mains supply in ihe- garage.”