Henney Kilowatt classic cars for sale
The Henney Kilowatt stands out as one of the very first production electric cars, produced between 1959 and 1960 in the United States. Based on the Renault Dauphine body, the Kilowatt was decades ahead of its time, offering an electric drive at a period dominated by combustion engines. With extremely limited numbers produced—just 47 units—it represents a rare opportunity for collectors interested in early zero-emission vehicles.
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Create listingHenney Kilowatt Classic Cars: Prices & Market Values
History of the Henney Kilowatt
The Henney Kilowatt was introduced in the United States in 1959 as perhaps the most ambitious attempt at a commercial electric car postwar. Developed through a collaboration between the Henney Motor Company, Eureka Williams Company, and National Union Electric Corp., the Kilowatt used the body shell of the Renault Dauphine. Its aim was to provide a practical urban electric car to utilities and forward-thinking institutions, making it a technological pioneer long before electric vehicles entered the mainstream. Despite its groundbreaking concept, the car had a very short production run, with only 47 units built, largely because the market and technology of the era were not ready for such innovation.
Model History
Over its two-year production span, the Henney Kilowatt underwent important improvements. The initial 1959 model employed a 36-volt electric system, which limited its performance. For 1960, the system was upgraded to 72 volts, resulting in increased top speed and extended range. With no direct predecessor, the Kilowatt remains a unique model in automotive history, and given its minuscule production run, there was no successor. The series remains defined by these two closely related variants.
Highlights of the Henney Kilowatt
Few vehicles encapsulate the daring spirit of innovation like the Henney Kilowatt. Using Renault Dauphine bodywork, it boasted a completely electric drive system at a time when battery technology limited range and performance. Its introduction marked an early commitment to sustainable mobility—something unthinkable for mainstream manufacturers of its day. Designed primarily to supply utility companies needing emission-free transport, it stands as a remarkable engineering statement from a period otherwise dominated by petrol power.
Technical Data
Special Editions and Collectible Models
Given the tiny production run and the incremental upgrade from 1959 to 1960, the only recognisable 'special' Kilowatts are the rare 1960 variants equipped with the improved 72-volt system. No formal limited editions or commemorative models were produced.
Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling
The Henney Kilowatt’s performance was dictated by its battery and electric traction motor. While the initial 36-volt setup could not meet typical city speeds, the upgraded 72-volt version for 1960 achieved up to 60 mph, making it usable in contemporary urban scenarios. Its handling and ride mirrored that of the Renault Dauphine, with the unique challenge of early lead-acid battery weight distribution. The single-speed transmission and direct-drive nature make for silent, vibration-free operation, a novelty far ahead of the period. Particularly, the 1960 Henney Kilowatt with the 72-volt drive system is of technical interest due to its improved speed and range over the earlier version.
Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design
The Henney Kilowatt adopted the overall form and many interior components of the Renault Dauphine. Externally, it was virtually indistinguishable from its French donor car, with modifications limited to badging and electric charging ports. Inside, simplicity ruled, with standard Dauphine instrumentation adapted for electric propulsion. There were no known custom trims, but the lack of exhaust components and quieter cabin did contribute to a unique driving environment for its time. Accessories and optional equipment were not a focus; practicality and showcasing the electric system were the priorities.
Other Information
With only a handful of known survivors, the Henney Kilowatt is a focal point for electric vehicle historians and specialists. The little production volume, combined with its status as a technological experiment, means spare parts are virtually impossible to find, and any restoration relies heavily on bespoke fabrication or adaptation from Renault Dauphine donor vehicles.
Summary
The Henney Kilowatt is an ultra-rare, historically significant electric car that offers insight into early experiments with battery-powered vehicles, decades before mainstream adoption. Built in the late 1950s and based on the Renault Dauphine, only 47 examples were delivered, most to utility companies. The Kilowatt is a collectible with genuine relevance for both automotive historians and enthusiasts of early electric mobility.