Although cars have been around for years, most of them were rough things, they lack the essential practicality and usefulness that could recommend them for general adoption. After years of experimentation and research, in 1929 Studebaker produced an electric car that is simple in construction, safe, easy to operate, free from vibration and noise, friction and resistance reduced to a minimum. Unlike other vehicles of its class, it is serviceable on the usual paving and car tracks of the city streets, a consideration of importance in a vehicle.
Its engineering design is fully in line with the latest car developments. The design have been made simple, easy accessible, direct, on conservative lines.
The battery with which these vehicles are regularly equipped is the most powerful battery produced at date time. The battery consists of 24 cells which effect the best compromise between the number of rubber jars and the total energy capacity of the battery. It is arranged that its location is not directly over that of the motor, as is the case in many vehicles, so that in this vehicle any drippings from the battery fall to the ground.
This vehicle is equipped with one motor. For a vehicle of this size a properly designed differential on tech rear axle is practical which makes it possible to effect a saving by using one large motor instead of two small ones. The motor used is a Standard Westinghouse Vehicle Motor. The design is such that small rises in current produce very much greater power effect than it has been previously attained in motors of this class. The results are that even in severe service the battery discharges are very materially reduced. This peculiarity has another advantage in that it gives even on the slow speed very much more power effect than has ever been attained before. The motor is suspended above the spring, from the running gear on forward and fastened on position, thus securing perfect chain adjustment. The suspension of the motor above the springs not only materially relieves shocks on it and the running gear, but contributes greatly to the life of the tires and on account of its location equalizes the load.
The transmission is by roller chain from counter shaft built into the motor heads to a balance gear on the rear axle. The pull of the chain is taken by distance rods attaching to the side bars of the running gear frame and the main rear axle bearings. The controller has four speed and is conveniently located on the end of the seat. The motor reverses by pressing a lever with the heel. The speed backward are the same as forward. On each speed almost full power effect can be obtained. The speeds are equally divided, and the maximum speed is 13 miles per hour on a straight road.
Each vehicle is equipped with a charging receptacle, which will match the standard charger connector with a 15-foot cable, with which each vehicle is equipped. Instead of the ordinary volt meter and ammeter, this vehicle is equipped with an indicator which reads directly the amount of energy in the battery.
Each vehicle is fitted with a band brake on rear axle, operated with foot lever working in a ratchet. They are also fitted an auxiliary brake operating directly on the shaft of the motor and controlled by a foot lever.
The wheels are ball-bearing, fitted with 30 x 3 inch double tube pneumatic tires. The track is 4 feet 6 inches center to center of tire.