Krieger Company of Electric Vehicles

• Illustration — Brougham 1904 • Illustration — Kriéger hybrid electric vehicle (1904) • Illustration — Share of the Compagnie Parisienne des Voitures Électriques, issued 27. April 1905 In 1894 Louis Antoine Kriéger (1868–1951) of Paris, France began designing and building electric automobiles. By 1898, when electric powered vehicle interest increased in France, Kriéger organized the Kriéger Company of Electric Vehicles. Brougham, Landaulette and Electrolette were three of the models produced. In 1901 43 electric vehicles were produced. In 1902 at least 65 were produced. Kriéger produced or assisted in several racing vehicles including one called 'Powerful' in 1900. The Electrolette was a two-person vehicle. Next to each front wheel was an electric motor of each. The pinion comes out at the side next the wheel and engages with a large gear wheel which is fixed against it. The gear and pinion are enclosed in a tight case, thus each wheel is turned independently by its own motor. The of Fulmen batteries are contained in a box which is fixed in the vehicle below the carriage body and is arranged so that it may be easily slid out from the rear. Kriéger claimed at least on a single charge. The Electrolette on a level grade could do, or over an average road. Kriéger automobiles were pioneers of regenerative electric brakes. In 1903 Kriéger produced an early hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with front wheel drive, power steering and a petrol engine that supplemented the battery pack. The Kriéger Company manufactured electric vehicles until 1909. Louis Antoine Kriéger continued design work for some time, including the use of the Electrolette name.