A TikTok video showcases an electric car from 1911, giving viewers a striking reminder: electric vehicles are hardly a futuristic invention. Drivers were already learning the basics of battery-powered transportation more than a century ago.
Here's what to know
In the TikTok video, creator Gavin Rice (@gavin.rice53) demonstrates the antique vehicle and explains how it works. According to the creator, the car is powered by 10 batteries.
@gavin.rice53 How to Start and Drive an original 1911 Baker Electric Car! #car #fyp #classic #onthisday #vintage ♬ original sound - Gavin Rice
Operation appears fairly simple: the key turns the system on and activates the gauge, steering is handled with a tiller, and the "gear" selector includes reverse as well as several forward settings.
The creator also points to how the car was sold in its era, saying, "These were marketed towards women, actually, because there was no loud, noisy gasoline engine to get your nice clothes all ruined."
One commenter wrote, "So we had electric cars over 100 years ago? Funny how that tech was stifled."
More background
In reality, battery-powered cars have been around for generations, even as the technology and infrastructure have changed dramatically.
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A second commenter highlighted why early models struggled to dominate: "For people wondering why they didn't catch on, old batteries weren't like modern batteries, they were heavy clunky things."
Commenters also noted that batteries at that time were quite expensive and charging infrastructure was non-existent.
Modern EVs address many of those old limitations. They can help drivers save on fuel costs and generally require less routine maintenance than gas-powered cars because they have fewer moving parts and don't need oil changes.
The clip underscores how long the idea has been around — and how much more practical it has become for everyday drivers.
For consumers thinking about buying an electric vehicle, the biggest differences between 1911 and today come down to convenience, cost, and performance.
The old Baker Electric may be a museum-worthy machine, but its basic appeal still feels current: quiet driving, simple operation, and freedom from the gas pump.
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