In 1894 

Louis Antoine Kriéger [fr] (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 (Société des Voitures Électriques Système Kriéger). The
Brougham, The Landaulette and The 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. [1]
The Electrolette was a two-person vehicle. Next to either front wheel was an electric motor of 2.2 kW
(3 hp) 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 inclosed in a tight case. Thus each wheel is turned
independently by its own motor. The 360 kg (800 lb) 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 105 km (65 mi) on a single charge. The 770 kg (1,700 lb)
2.2 kW (3 hp) Electrolette on a level grade could do 34 km/h (21 mph), or 19 to 24 km/h (12 to
15 mph) over an average road.[2]
The Kriéger automobiles were the first to use regenerative electric brakes