Beardsley (United States) - AllCarIndex

Beardsley Electric Company was an early American automobile manufacturer based in California, operational from 1914 to 1917. Founded by Volney S. Beardsley, who previously served as president of the Auto Vehicle Company, the firm specialized in electric vehicles during a time when such technology was gaining traction. Initially located in Los Angeles, the company relocated to Culver City in 1915, where it expanded its workforce to approximately 40 employees.

The Beardsley lineup included models such as the brougham and victoria, which conformed to the typical aesthetic of electric cars of the era. However, the company also produced a distinctive two-seater roadster characterized by its elongated bonnet, rounded tail, and wire wheels, allowing it to compete visually with gasoline-powered roadsters. Notably, the Beardsley cars participated in several long-distance demonstrations, including a remarkable 1,500-mile journey over 14 consecutive days, averaging 107.5 miles per day on a single battery charge, with Beardsley's wife as the driver and an all-female team of observers.

Despite these achievements, the company faced challenges due to World War I, which resulted in a shortage of parts and a decline in the popularity of electric vehicles. Consequently, Beardsley Electric Company ceased operations in 1917 after producing a total of 661 cars. The company was subsequently absorbed by Moreland Motor Truck Company, where Watt Moreland, a former vice-president of Beardsley, continued to influence the automotive industry until 1941.