THE SPHERE OF THE LIGHT ELECTRIC.
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Electric Vehicles for Tradesmen. Mileage Capacity. Charging Facilities. Advantages and Disadvantages.
IT IS generally recognized that the modern electric vehicle has found its most useful sphere of action , in work which necessitates a large number of stops, whether of long or short duration without involving a considerable daily mileage. The mileage capacity of a light electric vehicle varies in different types, but for those not exceeding a load-carrying capacity of 30 cwt., it snay be taken to average about 40 with safety ; higher mileages are often obtained, but they sometimes involve the risk of the vehicles being stranded away from borne, and possibly at a considerable distance from a suitable charging station.
• This mileage limit, however, is not Sufficient to rule out the light electric as a very satisfactory means of goods transport for a large variety of work. This is shown conclusively by the fact that many of the largest trading and catering concerns, such as William Whiteley, Ltd., and J. Lyons and Co., Ltd., as well as many departmental stores, etc., have considerable numbers of electric vehicles in operation, and find that for cheap upkeep and running costs they more than bold their own.
Authorities on this matter consider that there is a very large field for the small electfic amongst tradesmen, although, at present., its employment is somewhat restricted amongst small users owing to the difficulty that is sometimes experienced in obtaining the necessary charging facilities within a convenient distance of the depot where the vehicle is stationed. In the case of a large user this difficulty is overcome by the installation of a charging plant. and, in connection with this we would refer our readers to an article entitled "Charging Arrangements for Eleetrics," which appeared in our last issue. Unfortunately, a tradesman who wishes to run one or two machines only can hardly be expected to make a considerable outlay on an elaborate plant, and before adopting the .electric he should make eartain that there is a charging station within easy reach. In most cases arrangements can be made to replenish thehatteries at municipal charging stations, and if thie can be done the tradesman would do well seriously to consider the question of utilizing electrics. The electric vehicle can be considered as the bridge between horse and motor traction. As the radius of delivery and the mileage covered outgrows the cepa bilities of the horse the electric vehicle proves the rem
most efficient substitute and expedites deliveries as well as increasing the area covered. If, however, the business continues to expand it may prove too much for the capabilities of the electric, and longer journeys must then be undertaken by petrol or steam vehicles, but the electric can still be -usefully employed at a low cost on local' work.
The difficulty of obtaining charging facilities is being overcome and the number of places where charging is undertaken is rapidly increasing. When it is ,possible to• arrange for a mid-day boosting charge the utility of the electric can be greatly increased, and it may then almost rival the petrol vehicle in its mileage capabilities.
As with other forms of transport, the electric has both advantages and disadvantages. As to its advantages, apart from those already mentioned, it is clean, silent, simple (both as regards its mechanical construction and contaol) and it will usually lend itself to considerable overloading without fuss or breakdown;. it is light on tyres (as regards wear), very compact for its load capacity, and as its accumulators are usually guaranteed foie three years—and often last much longer—its charging and 'upkeep costs can be computed almost exactly. Wear on its brakes is considerably lessened owing to the electrio braking effect provided by the reaction of its motors when the vehicle drives them instead of being itself driven. Incidentally, the current produced during this electrical braking assists to a small degree in keeping the accumulators charged.
The disadvantages of the electric are the limited mileage (with which we have already dealt) and the comparatively slow speed, but where a large number of stops has to be made this is quite, if not more than, counterbalanced by its capabilities of rapid acceleration and its stopping powers. One great advantage of this type of vehicle is that it is so simple to drive that the training of the men or youths for it is a matter involving but little trouble and time ; it is also, to a considerable degree, foolproof, provided that the driver is prevented from meddling too frequently with the batteries, except for the purpose of replenishing them with distilled water when necessary or for examining the various connections and recharging.
As regards any running repairs which may have to be done and the complete overhauling which is necessary, aClong intervals, these are rather simpler than is the case with any other type of vehicle, and practically the only job which cannot be tackled by the overage mechanic is that of rewinding the arrnatures of the electric motors, but as this is a repair which is very seldom required, and usually only after the motors have been in service for many years, this need not deter potential users. The accumulators are, usually, so positioned that access to them for their removal or replacement can be obtained with the minimum of difficulty, and they very seldom encroach upon space which could esefully be employed for carrying goods ; in some makes they are carried in a box slung to the frame, whilst others they are positioned under the driver's seat, thus occupying the position usually assigned to the netroi tank in the petrol vehicle. Owing to the absence of the engine and bonnet the driver's seat can be carried right forward, thus materially increasing the space available for the body, or rendering possible a considerable reduction in the loverall length for the same load capacity. The weight is also very evenly distributed over the front and rear wheels.