Wednesday, January 24, 2018

1915 Milburn Light Electric


Along with their line of horse-drawn wagons, the Milburn Wagon Co of Toledo, Ohio built bodies for the Ohio Electric Car Company.  When that arrangement broke down they decided to produce their own electric vehicles, believing that they could be made lighter and cheaper than the existing offerings.
The coupe above, introduced in 1914 had a top speed of 20 mph and a range of 60-75 miles. It was powered by a motor made by GE with a 180 amp hour 20 cell lead acid battery. Price was $1485 when a Ford Model T could be purchased for $440.
Despite their ease of operation and ownership, by the early 1920s the price difference and limited range of electrics were slowing sales and production ceased. GM bought the factory in 1923. More history here.

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