Front Control

The Rauch & Lang Carriage Company of Cleveland, Ohio was started in 1883 when noted coach builder Jacob Rauch joined forces with real estate magnate Charles Lang. In 1903, the firm became a dealer for the Buffalo Electric Car, and by 1905, began building its own electric auto.

Electrics became popular among women, in fact, Mrs. Henry (Clara) Ford drove a Detroit Electric and Mrs. Thomas (Mina) Edison drove a Baker Electric.

By 1915, due to declining electric car sales, Rauch & Lang merged with arch-rival Baker Motor Vehicle Company and became the Baker R & L Company. In the late 1920s, just as electrical service was beginning to reach rural America, the electric automobile was fading into history. Baker R & L went on to produce industrial lift trucks and today is known as the Linde Corporation.

This 1915 Rauch & Lang Electric Coach is powered by a Hertner Electric motor featuring 45 two-volt cells. The car weighs 3,400 pounds and rested on a 102-inch wheelbase.