Types of Cars & Vehicles
Charles and Frank Duryea built the first American automobile in 1893 in Springfield, Mass. Early American cars got their power from steam, batteries or gasoline.
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Steam Cars
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Known as the "Flying Torpedo," the steam car became popular with the rich. It was quieter and more powerful than any other vehicle on the market. Eventually, the United States would have more than 125 steam-car manufacturers. The first steam cars required drivers to wait about 25 minutes for a flame to create enough steam to power the vehicle.
Electric Cars
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The best-selling car in the early 1900s, the electric car could travel up to 25 mph and travel up to 50 miles. One specially equipped electric vehicle known as the "Baker Torpedo" reached 75 mph.
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Gasoline Cars
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Ransome Olds created the first car assembly line in 1901. In 1908, Henry Ford launched production of the gas-powered Model T Ford and offered it at a reduced price.
Electric Starter
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Up until 1912, gasoline cars had to be hand cranked to start. In 1912, Charles Kettering invented the electric starter.
Transition
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Since electrically started, gas-powered cars were cheaper than other vehicles, production of electric- and steam-powered cars ended.
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