Contrary to popular belief, the concept of cars powered by something other than gasoline has been around for a while. In fact, from the early 20th century to the late 1990s, various automobiles experimented with multiple energy sources. Here is a look at 15 classic cars that helped pioneer alternative fuels, from the most recent to the earliest.

Ford Ranger EV (1998)

In 1998, the Ford Ranger EV marked a significant step in applying electric power to trucks. Unlike earlier attempts at electric vehicles, the Ranger EV targeted fleet customers with a practical 60-mile range. Although production ceased in 2002, the Ranger EV was a precursor to today’s electric trucks.

Honda EV Plus (1997)

A year earlier, Honda entered the EV market with the EV Plus. This compact electric car was notable for being one of the first to use advanced NiMH batteries, offering improved range over lead-acid alternatives. While Honda produced only around 300 units, the EV Plus helped set the stage by advancing battery technology.

General Motors EV1 (1996)

When General Motors launched the EV1 in 1996, it became famous and infamous. Sleek and aerodynamic, the EV1 was available only through a limited lease program. Despite its success, GM controversially decided to recall and destroy most EV1s, a move that sparked debate and inspired the documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car?”

Solectria Force (1991)

The early 1990s saw a revival of interest in electric vehicles, and the Solectria Force was at the forefront of this movement. This conversion EV was one of the first to use advanced lead-acid batteries. With a range of up to 100 miles, the Force was used in several major demonstration projects.

Thrust 2 (1983)

In 1983, the world witnessed the capabilities of alternative propulsion with the Thrust 2, a jet-powered vehicle explicitly designed to shatter land speed records. Driven by British engineer Richard Noble, Thrust 2 reached 633.468 mph (1,019.468 km/h) at the Black Rock Desert, setting a new world record.

Enfield 8000 (1973)

The Enfield 8000 emerged as Britain’s response to the global oil crisis. This compact electric car,  built on the Isle of Wight, had a range of about 40 miles and a top speed of 48 mph. Only about 120 were actually produced, and the Enfield 8000 showed the potential for small, efficient city cars.

Henney Kilowatt (1959)

In 1959, the Henney Kilowatt became one of the first modern electric cars produced in the post-war era. Based on the Renault Dauphine, this vehicle was a collaboration between National Union Electric Company and Eureka Williams. Despite its limited production run, the Henney Kilowatt is praised as the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle.

Ford Nucleon (1958)

Introduced as a concept car in 1958, the Ford Nucleon pushed the boundaries of alternative fuel to the extreme. This futuristic design proposed using a small nuclear reactor as its power source. While never progressing beyond a scale model due to obvious safety concerns, the Nucleon exemplified the ambitious, sometimes outlandish thinking of the Atomic Age.

Peugeot VLV (1942)

During World War II, gasoline shortages led Peugeot to introduce the VLV, a small electric car designed for urban use. With a range of about 50 miles and a top speed of 22 mph, it wasn’t built for long journeys but provided a practical solution for city driving. However, production was eventually banned.

Peugeot 402 (1940)

Also responding to wartime fuel shortages, the Peugeot 402 could run on gazogene, a type of gas generated from wood or coal. A large wood-burning stove was fitted to the car’s rear, converting wood into a combustible gas that could power the engine. It attested to human ingenuity in the face of scarcity.

Detroit Electric (1907)

Detroit Electric entered the scene and became one of the most successful electric car companies of the early 20th century. These silent vehicles were trendy among urban doctors and well-to-do women. With a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge, Detroit Electrics helped establish electric cars as a viable transportation option.

Stanley Steamer (1902)

The Stanley Steamer, manufactured from 1902 to 1924, was one of the most successful steam-powered automobiles. Known for speed and reliability, it set several land speed records, including one in 1906 at 127 mph. These vehicles demonstrated that alternative fuel sources could compete with and even outperform gasoline-powered cars in certain aspects.

Locomobile Steam Car (1899)

Initially a steam-powered vehicle, it was one of the best-selling automobile brands in America at the turn of the century. Its popularity helped normalize the idea of personal transportation powered by something other than horses. Although the Locomobile eventually switched to gasoline engines, early steam models signaled the viability of alternative propulsion methods.

Toledo (1900)

This American-made vehicle belonged to the short-lived but significant era of steam-powered automobiles. With quick acceleration and a silent ride, steam cars like the Toledo offered a compelling alternative to early, unreliable gasoline engines. However, their long warm-up times and the need for frequent water refills ultimately led to their decline.

Baker Electric (1899)

At the turn of the 20th century, Baker Electric made its debut. Introduced in 1899, this silent runner was one of the first successful electric vehicles. Favored by many, including Thomas Edison, it offered a quiet, clean, and easy-to-operate alternative to its noisy, pollution-spewing gasoline counterparts.