Kriéger Company of Electric Vehicles

Brougham 1904

Landaulette

In 1894 Louis Antoine Kriéger (1868–1951) of Paris, France began designing and building electric automobiles. By 1898 when electric powered vehicle interest increased in France, Kriéger organized the Kriéger Company of Electric Vehicles (Societe des Voitures Electriques Systeme Kriéger). 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. Kriéger 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. Kriéger 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 Kriéger automobiles were the first to use regenerative electric brakes.

In 1903 Kriéger produced the first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV); it had front wheel drive, power steering and a petrol engine that supplemented the battery pack.

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

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See also

List of French Cars Timeline of motor vehicle brands