New York City’s First Motorized Taxis Were Electric
You might assume that gas-powered vehicles pioneered New York City's taxi industry, but you'd be wrong. In 1897, the city's streets witnessed a quiet revolution when the first fleet of Electrobat taxis began carrying passengers through Manhattan. Before the familiar yellow cabs became icons, these electric vehicles paved the way for modern urban transportation. While they weren't perfect—with limited range and basic amenities—these silent pioneers offered a glimpse into what we're rediscovering today: electric vehicles aren't just the future of transportation; they're actually part of its past.
The Electric Taxi Revolution
When did New York City first embrace electric transportation? You might be surprised to learn that electric vehicle innovation began in 1894 with the Electrobat, NYC's first electric taxi.
Created by Henry Morris and Pedro Salom using a modified ship motor, this revolutionary vehicle sparked a taxi industry transformation. These early electric vehicles helped reduce urban pollution compared to horse-drawn carriages.
While the original Electrobat was heavy and slow, it boasted an impressive 50-mile range. The improved Electrobat 2 featured a lighter, more efficient design. The cabs operated out of a former ice skating rink on Broadway.
By 1897, you'd find 13 electric taxis serving over 1,000 passengers and covering 2,000 miles in their first month alone.
William Whitney's acquisition of the business led to rapid expansion, growing the fleet from a dozen vehicles to more than 100 by 1899, with operations spreading to New Jersey, Boston, Chicago, and Newport.
