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', 'Landaulet', and 'Electrolette' were three of the models produced. In 1901, 43 electric vehicles were produced. In 1902, at least 65 were made. Kriéger also produced or assisted in several racing vehicles including one called the 'Powerful' in 1900.
The 'Electrolette' was a two person vehicle. Next to each front wheel was an electric motor of 3 horsepower. The pinion came out at the side next to the wheel and engaged with a large gear wheel which was fixed against it. The gear and pinion were enclosed in a tight case, thus each wheel was turned independently by its own motor. The 800 lbs of Fulmen batteries were contained in a box which was fixed in the vehicle below the carriage body and arranged so that it could be easily slid out from the rear. Kriéger claimed at least 65 miles on a single charge. The 'Electrolette' on a level grade could do 21 mph, or 12 to 15 mph over an average road surface of that time. The Kriéger automobiles were also the first to have regenerative electric brakes. In 1903 Kriéger 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 Kriéger Company manufactured electric vehicles until 1909 with some evidence that Louis Antoine Kriéger continued to design and work with others after this date.
Washington D.C., circa 1906 --- Senator George P. Wetmore of Rhode Island, with his wife in a Krieger Electric Landaulet.
-