Kriéger Company of Electric Vehicles

Krieger 1908

In 1894 Louis Antoine Krieger (1868–1951) of Paris, France began designing and building electric automobiles. By 1898 when electric powered vehicle interest increased in France, Krieger organized the Krieger Company of Electric Vehicles (Societe des Voitures Electriques Systeme Krieger). The Brougham, The Landaulet and The Electrolette were three of the models produced. In 1901 43 electric vehicles were produced. In 1902 at least 65 were produced. Krieger produced or assisted in several racing vehicles including one called 'Powerful' in 1900.

The Electrolette was a two person vehicle. Next to either front wheel was an electric motor of 3 horse power each. The pinion comes out at the side next the wheel and engages with a large gear wheel which is fixed against it. The gear and pinion are inclosed in a tight case. Thus each wheel is turned independently by its own motor. The 800 pounds of Fulmen batteries are contained in a box which is fixed in the vehicle below the carriage body and is arranged so that it may be easily slid out from the rear. Krieger claimed at least 65 miles on a single charge. The 1700 pound Electrolette on a level grade could do 21 miles an hour, or 12 to 15 miles over an average road. The Krieger automobiles were the first to have regenerative electric brakes. In 1903 Krieger produced the first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) which was also front wheel drive, had power steering and a petrol engine that supplemented the battery pack.

The Krieger Company manufactured electric vehicles until 1909 with some evidence that Louis Antoine Krieger continuing to design and work with others afterwards, including the Electrolette name.