Nearly forty percent of the automobile market relied on battery power at the turn of the 21st century, with the rest of the market relying on steam or gasoline. Electric vehicles offered several important features that their counterparts did not, as they were easy to operate, quiet, and devoid of fumes. With a range of forty to fifty miles, electric vehicles were suitable for suburban use.

One of the early and most successful electric car manufacturers was the Baker Electric company of Cleveland, Ohio. It was founded in 1899 by Walter C. Baker, who had aided Morris & Salom in the creation of their Electrobat for the World's Columbia Exposition in 1893. Baker was joined by Fred R. While and Rollin C. White, who would later build White steam and gasoline cars, also in Cleveland.

Initially, the Baker Company body styles included a runabout with stanhope variant, priced from $850 to $1,600. Various body styles soon joined the lineup, and the company's popularity grew due to its high-quality craftsmanship and detailing in coachwork. Sales began in 1900, with Thomas Edison among the first purchasers, as his Edison batteries provided the power.

The 1909 Baker was offered on several chassis sizes including a 68-, 71-, 86.5-, 89-, 92.5-, and a 95-inch wheelbase. Prices ranged from $1,000 to $2,500. Body styles included a runabout, roadster, Queen Victoria, Landaulet, Stanhope, Coupe, and surrey.

by Dan Vaughan