The rise of Tesla as an electric vehicle giant has brought electric cars into the limelight. However, EVs have a long and rich history that started way before Elon Musk’s brainchild. Here are ten electric cars that came before Tesla.

1. La Jamais Contente (1899)

Belgian engineer Camille Jenatzy designed this torpedo-shaped car, which was the first to reach a speed of over 100 km/h (62 mph). The vehicle featured two 25 kW motors and an aerodynamic design for its time.

2. Detroit Electric (1907-39)

Made by the Anderson Electric Car Company, the Detroit Electric was a popular choice among ladies and doctors in the US thanks to its enclosed cabin and easy-to-operate controls. Detroit Electric cars could travel from 60 to 100 miles per charge.

3. Baker Electric (1899-1916)

Baker Motor Vehicle Company produced stylish electric cars that could achieve up to 14 mph with a lead-acid battery. In addition to appealing to women, Thomas Edison reportedly owned one as well!

4. Milburn Light Electric (1914-1923)

This American car was known for its lightweight design, owing its name to Milburn Wagon Company’s earlier non-electric vehicles. Able to cover a range of almost 60 miles, these cars were reasonably priced and especially popular during World War I.

5. Lohner-Porsche Mixte (1901)

Ferdinand Porsche’s first hybrid car came in the form of a gasoline generator powering electric hub-mounted motors on each wheel. This forward-thinking solution gave rise to the Porsche we know today.

6. Elwell-Parker Ltd. Electricars (1882-1930)

Elwell-Parker was an English company manufacturing battery-electric road vehicles from as early as 1882, with many different models like vans, trucks, and buses. Their vehicles were used widely for the London General Omnibus Company.

7. Riker Electric (1898-1902)

Inventor Andrew Riker founded Riker Electric Motor Company and built electric cars that dominated early racing competitions. His achievements culminated in 1901 with a land speed record of 57 mph.

8. Enfield 8000 (1973-1977)

Created by Enfield Automotive in the UK, this two-seater electric city car had a top speed of 48 mph and a 40-mile range. As gasoline shortages due to OPEC’s oil embargo impacted the market, the Enfield 8000 was a timely solution.

9. Peugeot VLV (1942)

Peugeot’s answer to fuel shortages during World War II came as a small, simple, and clean electric vehicle. The VLV stood for “Véhicule Léger Électrique” or “Electric Light Vehicle” and had a range of up to 50 miles at a top speed of 22 mph.

10. CitiCar (1974-1977)

With its distinctive wedge shape, Sebring Vanguard’s CitiCar was an American electric vehicle boasting a 40-mile range on lead-acid batteries and reaching speeds of up to 38 mph. It is considered one of the first successful EVs produced in the United States.

These electric cars laid the groundwork for today’s EV revolution, proving that while Tesla might have modernized and popularized the concept, they were far from being the first to explore electric transportation.