Trystan Casey
The electric milk float was introduced in the 1930s to replace horse-drawn milk carts. They were designed for the delivery of fresh milk and were once a common sight in many European countries, particularly the United Kingdom. Sources suggest that the first electric milk floats entered service between 1932 and 1934, with Midland Electric and Wilson Electrics being early manufacturers. Wales & Edwards, another manufacturer, sold their first milk float in 1951. Electric milk floats were favoured for their quietness, which was especially important for early morning deliveries, and their economical operation under constant stop-start conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First electric milk float | Introduced in 1932 to replace horse-drawn floats |
| First manufacturer | TH Lewis Ltd of Watford |
| First electric milk float model | 3-wheeled pedestrian-controlled vehicle with an 180-kilogram payload |
| Year of first model launch | 1934 |
| Other early manufacturers | Midland Vehicles Ltd, Partridge Wilson Engineering, Wales & Edwards |
| Common characteristics | Quiet, economical, environmentally friendly, slow speed |
| Horsepower | 16-26 km/h (10-16 mph), can be modified to reach 130 km/h (80 mph) |
| Battery life | 60-80 miles per charge, charging takes around 8 hours |
| Cost | £500-£1000 for a second-hand milk float with decent batteries |
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What You'll Learn
Electric milk floats were introduced in 1932
The electric milk float offered several advantages over its horse-drawn and gas-powered counterparts. Firstly, it was a lot quieter, which was especially important for early morning milk deliveries. Secondly, the absence of a clutch and starter in electric brush motors made stopping and starting the vehicle much easier. In addition, the constant "stop-start" nature of milk rounds made electric milk floats more economical to operate than petrol or diesel engine vehicles.
Over the years, several companies designed and manufactured electric milk floats. Midland Electric milk floats, produced by Midland Vehicles Ltd of Leamington Spa, were launched in January 1937. Wales & Edwards, a garage and car salesroom based in Shrewsbury, sold their first electric milk float to Roddington Dairy in 1951. Wilson Electrics, manufactured by Partridge Wilson Engineering in Leicester, produced their first electric van in 1934, which could carry a payload of 250-300 kg (5-6 cwt). TH Lewis Ltd of Watford, closely associated with London's Express Dairy Company, designed two types of electric vehicles for the company, with the first entering service in 1934.
Today, milk floats are usually battery-operated and are still in daily service. They typically have a top speed of 15 to 20 mph and can go 60 to 80 miles on a full charge. However, with the rise of supermarkets and convenience stores, many people have switched from regular home milk delivery to obtaining milk from other sources, leading to a decrease in the use of milk floats.
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They replaced horse-drawn floats
Electric milk floats were introduced to replace horse-drawn floats from 1932 onwards. The first electric milk float was produced in 1934 by Partridge Wilson Engineering, under the name Wilson Electrics. This first model could carry a payload of 250-300 kg (5-6 cwt). Wilson Electrics went on to produce several larger models, including a 1,000-1,300 kg (20-25 cwt) version.
Another early manufacturer of electric milk floats was TH Lewis Ltd of Watford, which built the Lewis Electruk. The company began building milk floats and carts for the Express Dairy Company in 1873 and became a limited company in 1899. It was taken over by Express in 1931 and designed two types of electric vehicles for the company, the first of which entered service in 1934. This was a 3-wheeled pedestrian-controlled vehicle with an 180 kg (3.5 cwt) payload.
Midland Vehicles Ltd of Leamington Spa also produced electric milk floats, with their first design launched in January 1937. Designed by J Parker Garner, it had a 500-750 kg (10-15 cwt) chassis. By 1943, Midland Electric was producing five models, including a flatbed truck for coal deliveries.
Post-World War II electric vehicles were less convenient than their petrol-powered counterparts, but electric milk floats had some significant advantages. They were much quieter than early gas cars, and their electric brush motors did not require a clutch and starter, making stopping and starting easier. They were also more economical to operate under the constant "stop-start" conditions of milk delivery and emitted virtually no pollutants.
Today, milk floats are usually battery-electric vehicles, although diesel floats are becoming more common due to the increasing length of delivery rounds. Electric milk floats are still in use, with some being used for film shoots and festivals.
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They were quieter than petrol-powered vehicles
The first electric milk float was introduced in 1932 to replace horse-drawn floats. One of the key advantages of these electric vehicles was that they were much quieter than their petrol-powered counterparts. This was particularly important for milk deliveries, which frequently occurred in the early hours of the morning before most people were awake.
The quietness of electric milk floats was made possible by the absence of a loud internal combustion engine. Instead, these vehicles were powered by electric motors, which produced significantly less noise. This made them ideal for use in urban areas, where they could navigate narrow streets and make deliveries without disturbing residents.
The quiet operation of electric milk floats was not only beneficial for maintaining peace and quiet in neighbourhoods but also contributed to their efficiency. The electric brush motors of these vehicles eliminated the need for a clutch and starter, making stopping and starting easier and more reliable. This was especially advantageous for the constant "stop-start" conditions of milk delivery routes, where frequent stops were required to drop off milk at various locations.
In addition to being quieter, electric milk floats offered other advantages over petrol-powered vehicles. They produced virtually no direct pollutants, making them more environmentally friendly. The smooth electric ride also reduced the chances of milk bottles breaking during transport, ensuring the safe delivery of fresh milk to customers.
Today, while fewer households rely on morning milk deliveries, electric milk floats remain a symbol of a bygone era when milk arrived at doorsteps in the quiet hours of the morning. These vehicles continue to evoke nostalgia and represent a time when the world seemed to make more logical sense to those who experienced it.
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They didn't need a clutch or starter
The first electric milk float was introduced in 1932 to replace horse-drawn floats. Electric milk floats were designed for the delivery of fresh milk and were most common in the United Kingdom. They were also used in other European countries.
Electric milk floats had several advantages over gas-powered vehicles. Firstly, they were much quieter, which was important as milk deliveries frequently occurred in the early hours of the morning before most people were awake. Secondly, they didn't need a clutch or starter, which made them more reliable than early gas cars, which often had issues with stopping and starting. The electric brush motors of milk floats meant that they could be stopped and started without the need for a clutch or starter system. This was especially useful for the constant "stop-start" conditions of a milk delivery round.
In addition to being quieter and more reliable, electric milk floats were also more economical to operate than petrol or diesel engine vehicles. They emitted virtually no pollutants into the atmosphere. The electric motors of milk floats had a relatively small power output, which resulted in slower speeds compared to gas-powered vehicles. However, this was not an issue for milk deliveries as the rounds were usually short and did not require high speeds.
The design of electric milk floats varied, with some having three wheels, while others had four or more wheels. They were typically slow, with top speeds ranging from 10 to 26 km/h (6 to 16 mph). However, some modified milk floats could reach speeds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph). The range of a milk float depended on its specific design and customer requirements, but they typically achieved 60 to 80 miles per charge.
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They were used for last-mile deliveries
The first electric milk float was introduced in the late 19th century, and they quickly became a common sight on streets across the world. These early electric vehicles were used for a range of purposes, including public transportation and goods delivery. Over time, their use became particularly associated with the dairy industry and the delivery of milk, often in the early morning or late at night. Due to their quiet operation and lack of emissions, they were ideal for residential areas and last-mile deliveries. Last-mile delivery refers to the final stage of the delivery process, getting goods from a transportation hub to their final destination, often a personal residence. Electric milk floats were perfect for this as they could navigate narrow streets and lanes, and their quiet operation meant they could make deliveries at any time of day without disturbing residents. The vehicles could also carry a substantial load, making them ideal for transporting milk bottles, which tend to be heavy and fragile. The use of electric milk floats for last-mile deliveries offered a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, and their slow speed made them safer than traditional delivery vehicles, particularly in residential areas.
The milk floats' unique features, such as their low speed and lack of emissions, made them ideal for this purpose. Their maximum speed was typically around 10-15 miles per hour, ensuring safe and quiet operation in residential areas. With a typical range of 30-40 miles on a single charge, they were well-suited for local deliveries. The milk floats could also carry a significant load, often up to several tons, making them practical for transporting large quantities of milk bottles, which are both heavy and fragile.
The use of electric milk floats offered a cost-effective solution for dairy companies, as they were cheap to run and required minimal maintenance compared to traditional vehicles. Their slow speed and lack of emissions also reduced the risk of accidents and ensured a longer lifespan for the vehicles. The distinctive appearance of milk floats, often with their open-sided design and colorful livery, also served as a marketing tool, providing a unique and memorable experience for customers. Residential customers would often leave orders or payment for the milkman, and the quiet, open design of the milk float allowed for easy interaction without disturbing neighbors.
In addition to their practical benefits, electric milk floats also offered environmental advantages. With zero emissions, they helped reduce air pollution and improve air quality, particularly in urban areas where milk deliveries were most common. This made them a popular choice for eco-conscious companies and consumers alike. The use of electric milk floats also reduced noise pollution, as their quiet operation was a welcome change from the noise of traditional delivery trucks. This made early morning or late-night deliveries much less disruptive to residents.
While the use of electric milk floats declined in the latter part of the 20th century with the rise of supermarket shopping and private car ownership, there has been a recent resurgence in their use. This is partly due to increasing environmental concerns and the push for more sustainable delivery methods. Modern electric vehicles now offer increased ranges and faster charging times, making them even more suitable for last-mile deliveries. Many companies are once again turning to electric vehicles, including milk floats, as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for that crucial final stage of delivery.
The history of electric milk floats showcases an early, innovative use of electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries, and their unique features and advantages continue to influence delivery methods today. Their quiet, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective operation, along with their distinctive appearance, has ensured their place in the history of transportation and logistics. As the push for sustainable solutions continues, the legacy of the electric milk float lives on, influencing modern delivery fleets and offering a unique and charming reminder of the past.
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Frequently asked questions
The first electric milk float was likely invented in the 19th century, with the first electric milk float model entering service in 1934.
Partridge Wilson Engineering, based in Leicester, produced the first electric milk float van in 1934 under the name Wilson Electrics.
The first electric milk float had a payload capacity of 250-300 kg (5-6 cwt).
Electric milk floats were quieter than gas-powered vehicles and didn't have issues with stopping and starting due to their electric brush motors. They were also more economical to operate under constant "stop-start" conditions and emitted fewer pollutants.
Early electric milk floats had slower speeds and shorter ranges compared to gas-powered vehicles. They also required longer recharging times, with batteries needing to be replaced every five to ten years.
