Electric vehicle enthusiast showcases 111-year-old Detroit Electric at sustainability festival in Aalborg

Electric vehicles have become a hot topic within many families, evoking various opinions—some love them, while others dislike them. Although many people have only become familiar with electric cars in recent years, they actually date back to the early 1900s. This is exemplified by a 111-year-old Detroit Electric currently showcased at a sustainability festival in Aalborg, brought by enthusiast Jørn Grønkjær.

Grønkjær delights in his vintage electric car, and he has encountered many guests who are surprised to learn that electric vehicles existed over a century ago. He notes that even climate and utility ministers were unaware of this history. His Detroit Electric, with its soft, aging seats, was created long before safety features like seatbelts and airbags became standard.

While Grønkjær’s blue Detroit Electric may not be the world’s first electric car, the U.S. produced electric vehicles on a large scale as early as the late 1800s. Kim Maarup, founder of elbiler.dk, points out that while electric cars initially led in several areas, they were eventually surpassed by cheaper gasoline and less effective batteries. The lack of infrastructure for charging also hindered their widespread adoption.

By September 2023, electric vehicles accounted for 57% of Denmark’s total car sales, with more than 300,000 electric cars on the roads. Unlike early electric cars that were often driven by wealthy women, today’s electric vehicle demographic is much more diverse, although range remains a challenge. The 1913 model can cover 300 kilometers on a single charge, comparable to modern electric cars, albeit at a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour. Grønkjær cherishes driving his Detroit Electric, finding historical significance in its legacy while drawing a playful contrast to contemporary electric vehicle manufacturers like Elon Musk.