History of 1940s Electric Powered Motor Cars / Automobiles

3.3 194os

• A shortage of petrol during World War 2 resulted in a renewed interest in electric powered cars.
  
  
• At least 14 companies in Europe started producing electric cars during World War 2; 8 in France, 2 in Holland, 2 in Spain and 2 in Great Britain. Establish how many others existed.
  
  
• As petrol became readily available again all these companies had ceased making electric cars by 1950.
  
  
• Between 1947 and 1951 Japan produced its first electric car. It was called the Tama and it had a top speed of 35 kph (19 mph) and a maximum range of 65 km (40.6 miles).
  
  
• For information on electric cars produced from  1950 to present date see Green Cars, Section 7 (Battery Powered Cars)".   
  
  
• For comprehensive lists of electric carmakers select “Historical & General Information Web Sites” on the main menu. Then select “The Early Electric Car Site” and/or “Some EV History”.
  
  
• For historical and general information about batteries see Green Cars, Section 6 (The Battery).