London’s First Electric Taxi: A Forgotten Piece of Transport History

In today’s world, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. However, the concept of electrically driven vehicles is not as new as one might think. In fact, London’s very first self-propelled taxi was an electric vehicle, breaking with over a century of convention.

Throughout human history, wheeled vehicles relied on animal power for propulsion. Horses were commonly used to pull carriages and taxis, but they had their limitations. Horses were prone to fatigue, spooked easily by noise and busy streets, and required constant care and maintenance. Additionally, horses left behind unpleasant messes on the streets of London.

As early as the 1890s, engineers began experimenting with self-propelled vehicles using electric power. However, it wasn’t until this decade that batteries and motors had advanced enough to make electric vehicles practical. Engineer Walter Bersey, at the young age of 23, produced his first electric vehicle – a bus. He followed this with a van and, just in time for the famous Emancipation Run of 1896, a cab.

Bersey’s London Electrical Cab Company was inaugurated in late August 1897, drawing attention from reporters and the public alike. The electric cab featured a 40-cell, 170Ah battery and a 3hp motor at the rear axle. The driver controlled the vehicle using a lever with forward and reverse positions, a small steering “capstan,” and a foot pedal for braking.

One of the most innovative aspects of Bersey’s electric cab was its charging system. Since the national grid did not exist at the time, the batteries were charged by a private supplier. Batteries were loaded onto trolleys and sent to the factory for charging. Once charged, they were swapped with flat batteries that had been removed from the suspended tray under the cab’s body. This system allowed for continuous operation, as each cab required a battery change every 50 miles.

Despite initial skepticism and criticism, the Metropolitan Police granted licenses to the electric cabs, as long as drivers could prove their ability to steer and stop the vehicles. Twelve of these electric cabs were put into service, marking London’s first taxis without horses. Drivers paid 20 shillings per day (equivalent to £100 today) and could earn up to £6 (£630 today).

The electric cabs garnered both fascination and derision from the public. Crowds would gather wherever the cab went, with children often attempting to climb onto it. However, there were also concerns about the future job prospects of traditional cabbies and those who worked with horses. The London Cab Trade Council even urged cab drivers to discourage further development of electric cabs, claiming that the public would not favor them.

Despite their initial success, the electric cabs faced challenges. They were often slower than horse-drawn cabs, and the weight of their batteries resulted in reliability issues and high maintenance costs. After just two years of operation, the London Electrical Cab Company folded, having incurred significant losses.

Today, the story of London’s first electric taxi is largely forgotten. However, it serves as a reminder that electric vehicles have a long history and have been met with both excitement and resistance. While Bersey’s electric cabs may not have been perfect, they paved the way for future advancements in electric transportation.

As we embrace electric vehicles in the 21st century, it is important to remember the pioneers who dared to challenge convention and explore new possibilities. London’s first electric taxi may have been met with waves of criticism, but it played a significant role in shaping the future of transportation.