Over a century ago, motorized transport largely depended on eclectic battery-powered modes, however, only a minority of such vintage artifacts survive today — one notable instance perched within Jay Leno’s private collection. Intriguingly, an era as far back as 1897 witnessed the operation of electric taxis in metropolises like New York City. There was even a period when, surprisingly, a third of all taxis in the city ran on electricity.
Indeed, the streets of America were once graced by vehicles such as the Baker Electric Coupe and the Riker Electric Roadster, long before the birth of contemporary electric auto giants like Tesla. These electrically powered vehicles were so well-received that they constituted around a third of New York’s taxi fleets. Unfortunately, these promising pioneers of clean energy began to be shadowed by more economically appealing counterparts, such as the infamous Ford Model T.
The burgeoning oil industry, equipped with newly available oil-based fuels combined with a more competitive price tag, began to outpace the once-popular electric vehicles. Further fueling this transition was a beneficial windfall provided by federal tax incentives in the 1920s, which led to the explosive growth of oil-based automobiles at the expense of battery-operated counterparts. This drastic tilt in preference to oil and gasoline eroded the once-thriving era of electric vehicles.
In a twist of irony, the fascinating history of these early electric automobiles largely faded from collective societal memory. Their existence has been so thoroughly erased that a vast majority of the present generation remain oblivious to the fact these vehicles were once on the road. Only a handful of these eccentric relics, representative of a forgotten era, still exist today, either showcased in museums or housed as cherished rarities in private collections.
A prime example of such a relic is the entirely refurbished Baker Electric that Jay Leno, the renowned automotive enthusiast, proudly exhibits in his expansive California auto haven. Jay Leno’s anachronistic electric marvel, distinct for its wooden frame and large 36-inch rubber wheels, strangely reminds one of a stagecoach. However, under the hood, it boasted electric motors and batteries similar to those found in today’s advanced electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model Y or Cadillac Lyriq.
When Leno took this unconventional spectacle out for a ride in Burbank, Calif., recently, it was met with public amazement. Despite its unique and outmoded appearance, it attracted undivided attention and sparked smiles among onlooking pedestrians. This vehicular curiosity may seem far removed from modern automotive design, but it carries significant historical value, symbolizing the echoes of the past.
Interestingly, the United States seems set to experience deja vu from a century ago. It’s disheartening to observe the Trump administration and corresponding Congressional Republicans joining forces to sabotage the re-emergence of electric vehicles. They seem determined to impose new taxes on electric vehicles, just as with their environmentally destructive forerunners, and steer federal policies heavily toward supporting the oil and gas industry.
Despite the contextual significance of electric vehicles and their part in our history, it appears that policy makers remain fixed on repeating past mistakes instead of embracing the potential for an electric future. This trend of deriding and marginalizing climate-conscious ideologies in preference of regressive fossil fuel endorsements seems not only short-sighted but irresponsibly dismissive of the urgent need for a sustainable transportation infrastructure.
Fostered by ill-conceived convictions, these moves to levy fresh taxes on electric vehicles, hinder their growth, and propagate a lopsided promotion of oil and gasoline are woefully misguided. They hold grave implications for the health of our planet and the sustainable development of our society, doing a disservice to past successes and future potential of electrically powered transport.
Once popular, later forgotten, and now seemingly reborn, the influence of electric vehicles on our society continues to be a fascinating saga. Yet, the resistance to change by present-day administration demonstrates not only an insensitivity to the lessons of the past, but also a dismissive approach toward a sustainable and responsible future. Despite the bright prospects offered by electric vehicles for reducing our carbon footprint and modernizing our transportation infrastructure, existing policies seem more inclined toward regression rather than progression.
Drawing a parallel with the determinedly persistent Jay Leno and his vintage electric car, our society needs a similarly determined push toward a greener, more sustainable future. Instead of perpetuating the damaging cycle of oil and gas, we should embrace the echoes from the past and adopt an understanding for future generations. Our actions today will define the story of electric vehicles in the coming years and will determine whether these pioneering modes of transport are allowed a well-deserved revival.
Despite the current administration’s disparaging actions toward the re-emergence of electric vehicles, we should remain hopeful and continue striving for a carbon-neutral future. For, in the grand scheme of things, the efforts of a handful of policymakers should not deter us from recognizing the monumental importance of sustainable, electric transportation. Our journey, much like that of Jay Leno’s Baker Electric, may be perceived as vintage and outmoded by some, but it’s a necessary jaunt toward a greener and cleaner tomorrow.
Admittedly, the journey to an eco-friendly transportation future is fraught with obstacles. As seen with the policies bent on stifling electric vehicles in favor of oil and gas, the path ahead is far from smooth. Still, wielding vehicles like Jay Leno’s Baker Electric as poignant reminders of our past, we can forge a future where electromobility is embraced rather than shunned.
Despite these challenges, one cannot deny the historical and ecological importance of the re-emergence of electric vehicles. They lower our dependency on fossil fuels, reduce emissions, and serve as a symbol for sustainable innovation born out of a historical precedent.
While there will inevitably be resistance to change, as reflected by the policies that dismiss the significance of electric vehicles, the hope remains that we collectively choose to embrace this opportunity for the sake of our planet and future generations.