1899 Lohner-Porsche – Classic Expo Salzburg 2023
At the turn of the 20th century, electric mobility was not an experiment but a serious contender. The 1899 Lohner-Porsche stands at the center of this forgotten chapter, introducing ideas that would only re-emerge more than a century later. Developed by a young engineer, it quietly anticipated the logic of modern electric and hybrid vehicles.
Technical Details
The 1899 Lohner-Porsche was an electrically powered vehicle developed by Ferdinand Porsche during his time at the Viennese coachbuilder Jakob Lohner & Co. Instead of a conventional drivetrain, the car used wheel hub motors mounted directly in the front wheels. Each motor produced approximately 2.5 to 3.5 horsepower, with peak output reaching around 7 horsepower for short periods. This eliminated the need for a gearbox, driveshaft, or transmission components, making the drivetrain mechanically simple yet conceptually advanced.
Energy was supplied by a large lead-acid battery pack, weighing several hundred kilograms. The vehicle’s range varied depending on conditions but was typically between 40 and 80 kilometers. Top speed was modest, generally around 30 to 35 km/h. The chassis was adapted from carriage construction, but reinforced to carry the considerable weight of the batteries and motors. One of the most notable technical aspects was the absence of mechanical power transmission, a feature that directly anticipated modern electric vehicle architecture. Later developments even led to hybrid versions, combining an internal combustion engine with electric generators—effectively creating one of the earliest series hybrid systems.
- Manufacturer: Jakob Lohner & Co. (Austria)
- Model name: Lohner-Porsche (often referred to as the Lohner-Porsche Elektromobil)
- Year of manufacturing: 1899
Design
Visually, the Lohner-Porsche retained strong links to late 19th-century carriage design. The body featured a high, upright seating position, large spoked wheels, and an open passenger compartment. The absence of a front-mounted engine allowed for a relatively clean and uncluttered front section, although the wheel hub motors added visual mass to the front wheels.
The proportions were dictated by function. The large battery pack was integrated into the chassis, resulting in a tall and somewhat heavy appearance. Decorative elements were minimal, reflecting its experimental and engineering-driven purpose rather than a focus on luxury. Inside, the vehicle was sparse, with simple seating and basic controls. The steering mechanism resembled that of contemporary carriages, reinforcing the transitional nature of early automotive design.
Historical Significance
The Lohner-Porsche emerged at a time when the automotive industry had not yet settled on a dominant propulsion system. Steam, electricity, and internal combustion engines were all competing technologies. In this context, the Lohner-Porsche represented one of the most advanced electric vehicle concepts of its era.
Ferdinand Porsche, then in his early twenties, introduced the wheel hub motor concept, which was groundbreaking. This approach simplified the drivetrain and allowed for more flexible vehicle layouts. The car was presented at the 1900 Paris Exposition, where it attracted significant attention for its innovative design.
The project also led to further developments, including all-wheel-drive electric vehicles and hybrid configurations. The later “Semper Vivus” and “Mixte” variants combined a gasoline engine with electric generators, making them among the earliest examples of hybrid vehicles. Although these concepts were not widely adopted at the time due to technological and economic limitations, they demonstrated a level of engineering foresight that would only be fully appreciated decades later.
Quirks and Pop Culture
One of the most notable quirks of the Lohner-Porsche is how modern its concept appears in hindsight. Wheel hub motors, for example, are still being explored in contemporary electric vehicle design. The idea of eliminating mechanical transmission components remains a key advantage in modern EV engineering.
The vehicle is also closely associated with Ferdinand Porsche’s early career, long before the establishment of his own company. In many historical accounts, the Lohner-Porsche is cited as evidence of Porsche’s early interest in alternative propulsion systems, contrasting with his later work on high-performance internal combustion engines.
While the Lohner-Porsche did not achieve widespread commercial success, it has become a reference point in discussions about the history of electric mobility. Museums and historical exhibitions frequently highlight it as an example of how early automotive development explored multiple technological paths before settling on the internal combustion engine for much of the 20th century.
Display and preservation
This car was shown at the Classic Expo Salzburg 2023. From 20 to 22 October, the Messezentrum Salzburg became a vibrant hub for classic car enthusiasts from across Europe. Welcoming around 23,000 visitors—an increase of nearly 15% compared to the previous year—the event demonstrated its growing appeal. With 400 exhibitors ranging from prestigious dealers to private sellers and parts specialists, the show offered an impressive diversity. Highlights included expert talks, a lively auction by Dorotheum, and the traditional Salz & Öl Rallye starting directly from the venue, bringing history to life.
Conclusion
The 1899 Lohner-Porsche represents a technically ambitious and forward-looking approach to early automotive engineering. Its electric drivetrain, wheel hub motors, and later hybrid developments positioned it far ahead of its time. Although limited by the battery technology of the era, it demonstrated principles that would reappear in modern electric and hybrid vehicles. In design, it reflects the transitional phase between carriage and automobile, while historically, it marks one of the earliest serious attempts at electric mobility. As such, the Lohner-Porsche remains a key reference point in the long and cyclical history of automotive innovation.
