Lohner-Porsche Mixte Voiturette
The Lohner-Porsche electric car, powered by wheel-hub motors, caused a sensation at the Paris World Trade Fair in 1900. The car, a "Chaise" with the internal vehicle number 24000, was the first-ever transmission-less vehicle and contemporary reports described its development as a revolutionary innovation. The electric motors in the hubs of the front wheels had an output of 2.5 horsepower at 120 rpm. The 44-cell, 80 volt rechargeable battery with a capacity of 300 ampere-hours gave the car a range of 50 miles between recharges; the maximum speed was 30mph. The slow speed of the electric motor permitted direct drive and installation in the wheel. The motor operated without chains and thus without mechanical power losses. Consequently, the electric motor was extremely efficient and was almost silent during operation. The total weight of the vehicle was 1,205 kg. The car could be braked at all four wheels - by the motors at the front axle and with the aid of a mechanical strap brake at the rear axle.
In 1901, Ferdinand Porsche developed his idea further by producing a version of the Lohner-Porsche with electric motors also in the rear wheel hubs, thus creating Porsche’s first all-wheel drive automobile. (last photo)
also read the UCP info
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