Larry Harnisch of The Daily Mirror sent in this 1910 ad that suggests electric cars are appropriate for women because they’re clean, quiet, and easy to drive:
Also: Sarah Haskins on marketing cars to women, women choose Chryslers over men, Ford says cars liberate women, it’s ok if your wife wrecks your VW, break the glass ceiling with a Jeep, get revved up with a Cadillac, and the Dodge La Femme.
Comments 13
Victoria — January 6, 2010
What? We shouldn't even be allowed to drive! [/sarcasm]
Fangirl — January 6, 2010
I like that they add that there's no vibration.
Daniel — January 6, 2010
It's actually considered one of the reasons why gas cars became the standard. In the beginning they required cranking (which, of course, only a man could do), but when the starter was introduced and all you needed was the turning of a key you didn't need the separate car for women and OF COURSE no man would drive anything made for women (like the electric car), so...
(just so it isn't misread, those are my "of course's" in there. Just presenting what some argue the history is)
karinova — January 8, 2010
The more things change, and all that.
It seems that electric cars (and even hybrids, for a while there?) suffer, PR-wise, from a slightly feminine image even now. The stereotypical Prius Driving Vegan Librul is kind of effeminate. Petroleum! Now that's manly. Makes your truck (it's gotta be a truck) go "Rowrrr!!" Even better: DIESELPOWR!!
*rolls eyes*
In 1920 Any Girl Can Drive an Electric Car! « Christopher A. Haase — January 8, 2010
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Any Girl Can Drive the Electric Car in 1910! « Thoughts on… — January 11, 2010
[...] Images focused on the ad angle suggesting that “electric cars are appropriate for women because they’re clean, quiet, and [...]
lisa — April 24, 2022
It's really viewed as one reason why gas vehicles turned into the norm. First and foremost they required wrenching (which, obviously, just a man could do), however when the starter was presented and all you really wanted was the turning of a key you didn't require the different vehicle for ladies and Obviously no man would drive anything made for ladies (like the electric vehicle), so...Air Conditioning Repairs Capalaba
Charlie Flint — June 5, 2023
Lately I've been thinking more and more about selling my car. I have to admit that I don't like to drive at all, and it's a big stress for me. Before selling the car, I'll have to get it in good condition, so I found a service to remove stone chip touch-ups, as well as repair scratches and dents that I have as a result of my driving. I think this will be the right decision.
Reagan Mason — August 8, 2026
The vintage advertisement offers an interesting look at how electric cars were presented to drivers in an earlier era. Its focus on accessibility and everyday driving makes the history of automotive technology especially engaging. Anyone researching vehicle parts and maintenance today may also find useful information through Napa Auto Parts phone number when looking for assistance with automotive needs.
Jake Thomas — September 17, 2026
This vintage ad is a fun reminder of how people once viewed electric cars as a simple and practical part of everyday life. It also shows how much electrical technology has changed over the years. In my own experience, reliable electrical work makes a big difference when dealing with modern EV chargers, home wiring, or other electrical systems. I recently looked into an Electrical Contractor Corvallis
for an electrical project, and it made me appreciate how important proper installation and safety are as electric technology continues to grow.