The fine art of …

The Alternate Fuel Class

At the turn of the 20th century, 40 percent of American automobiles were powered by steam, 38 percent by electricity, and 22 percent by gasoline. 33,842 electric cars were registered in the United States, and America became the country where electric cars had gained the most acceptance.

Sales of electric cars and steam cars outsold gas powered cars and peaked in 1912, the same year Charles Kettering invented the electric starter for internal combustion cars.

Despite their relatively slow speed, electric vehicles such as the Detroit Electric and the Rauch and Lang had a number of advantages over their early-1900s competitors. They did not have the vibration, smell, and noise associated with gasoline cars. Electric cars, providing a high level of comfort and ease of operation found popularity among well-heeled customers who used them as city cars where their limited range proved to be less of a disadvantage. Changing gears on gasoline cars was the most difficult part of driving, and electric vehicles did not require gear changes.

The best-known and best-selling steam car was the Stanley Steamer, three of which are presented in this year’s Concours. A significant benefit of the steam powered car is that its external combustion engine, versus the internal combustion engine can be configured for very low emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and unburned carbon in the exhaust, thus avoiding pollution. Steam powered cars also have the ability to accelerate very rapidly and to achieve high speeds. Huge radiators and a large amount of effort and time to get the steam powered car started were drawbacks.

The 1st Generation Alternative Fuel Cars Class sometimes referred to as “1st Generation Green Cars”, presents five examples of these early electric and steam powered cars.