Milk float

Milk float ( German milk truck, literally milk raft, float than will low platform wagons for carriage or for individuals with parades called ) is a design of electric cars, which was specially developed for the delivery of fresh milk to the front doors of consumers.

Dissemination

Milk floats were in several European countries and in North America in use, with the largest circulation in the United Kingdom during the 1970s. With the proliferation of supermarkets, the proportion of home delivery went back, making longer routes emerged. Coupled with the limited range of electric cars, this led to the increased use of diesel-powered vans and thus to a decrease in the importance of Milk floats in the transport industry. The electric cars were preceded in the late 19th century horse-drawn carriage.

In the UK Milk floats of Smith's, Wales & Edwards, Osborne, Harbilt, Brush, Morrison, Midford Electric, Bedford and Leyland were produced. Are still active Bluebird Automotive and Smith Electric Vehicles.

In the Netherlands Spijkstaal was a major producer.

Properties

Milk floats were designed for speed ranges of 10 to 15 mph ( 16-24 km / h), partially speeds up to 80 mph could reach (130 km / h). The doors could remain open while driving. Due to the electric motors used vehicles for operation in residential areas are designed in the early morning hours and at night due to the lower noise emissions.

Museum

A collection of Milk floats and other electric cars are in the museum of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Trust.

Examples

Milk floats in a Dairy Crest Garage

Float on the Ford Transit -based Milk

Electric Bluebird Milk float