American Electric (1913 automobile)

The American Electric was an electric automobile manufactured in Saginaw, Michigan, by the American Electric Car Company in 1913. It was a relatively short-lived venture, with production ceasing after only a single year. The American Electric was marketed towards women and emphasized its ease of operation and cleanliness compared to gasoline-powered vehicles of the time. It was available in several body styles, including a coupe and a roadster. While precise production figures are unavailable, it is believed that only a limited number of American Electric cars were ever produced, making them quite rare today. The company's failure is attributed to several factors, including high production costs associated with electric vehicles, limited range compared to gasoline cars, and the growing popularity of internal combustion engines. The American Electric represents an early attempt to popularize electric vehicles at a time when gasoline technology was rapidly advancing.