First Electric Streetcar in Germany

On July 26, 1883, Werner von Siemens unveiled an electric streetcar line in Berlin's Lichterfelde suburb, using a third-rail system powered at 180 volts. This 1.5-mile demonstration ran with a small motor car hauling passengers at speeds up to 20 mph, overcoming horse-drawn limitations. It paved the way for modern subways and trams worldwide, influencing electrification standards. Siemens' innovation addressed urban congestion from industrialization and inspired systems in the US and Europe, reducing reliance on animal power and setting the stage for overhead trolley wires.