Kühlstein
Kühlstein Wagenbau: Company Overview
The Kühlstein Wagenbau, located in Berlin-Charlottenburg, was a German coachbuilding enterprise that manufactured electric automobiles between 1897 and 1902.
Established in 1833 by Eduard Kühlstein (1804–1867), the firm originally specialized in producing horse-drawn carriages. Following Eduard's passing, leadership transitioned to Ernst Kühlstein (1843–1900), succeeded by Max Leuschner (1856–1923), who served as technical director from 1884 until his exit in 1894. After Ernst's death in 1900, August Schulze assumed management and also held a position on the supervisory board of Carburit Gesellschaft mbH, a company supplying automotive fuels.
At the first International Motor Show Germany held in Berlin in 1897, Kühlstein was among four exhibitors alongside prominent manufacturers Daimler, Benz, and Lutzmann. That same year marked the establishment of the Central European Motor Car Association.
In 1898, Joseph Vollmer joined as chief engineer and developed the "Avant Train," an innovative front-axle engine unit designed for integration with traditional horse-drawn carriages. This system was available with either combustion engines—ranging from a two-cylinder 4 hp up to a 6 hp gasoline variant—or electric motors supplied by AEG with outputs up to 7.4 kW. By 1899, these Avant Train units powered taxis and trucks operating within Berlin. Electric trucks could transport loads up to five tons at speeds reaching 16 km/h, while passenger vehicles achieved velocities up to 25 km/h.
The firm's electric Mail-Coach introduced in 1899 incorporated two Siemens & Halske motors delivering a combined power of 10.4 kW and was equipped with a substantial battery pack enabling an approximate range of 100 kilometers. This model could accommodate up to eighteen passengers.
Around the turn of the century, Kühlstein expanded its lineup to include gasoline-powered racing and touring automobiles alongside two- and multi-seat electric cars. Their product range also featured trucks capable of hauling five tons and buses designed for up to thirty occupants, available with either electric or combustion propulsion systems. A postcarriol model garnered accolades at the Paris Exhibition in 1900 but did not achieve commercial success.
In March 1900, a factory fire caused damages estimated at 50,000 marks, affecting vehicles intended for display at the Paris World's Exhibition.
As electric vehicle production declined circa 1900, patents related to gasoline and alcohol-fueled engines were filed by Joseph Vollmer and members of the Kühlstein family.
Between late 1901 and early 1902, Kühlstein constructed what is considered the world's first petrol-powered truck specifically designed for transporting sulphuric acid on behalf of Dr. E. ter Meer & Cie. This vehicle featured a two-cylinder engine rated at 17 hp and had a gross weight capacity of seven tons.
The company's 1902 tonneau model accommodated six passengers and was powered by a two-cylinder engine generating 12 hp, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 km/h under favorable conditions.
In 1906, Max Leuschner acquired the firm and merged it with L. Rühe to establish a joint venture producing licensed Jeantaud cabs as well as tractor units intended for horse-drawn carriages under the name Kühlstein-Vollmer. Vehicle manufacturing operations were absorbed by Neue Automobil Gesellschaft (NAG) in 1902; however, coachbuilding activities continued for marques such as Horch.
Diversifying into aviation, Kühlstein developed a monoplane designed by Max Court featuring a wingspan of 13.5 meters and seating capacity for three individuals. This aircraft participated in prominent events including the Berlin–Vienna long-distance flight of 1912.
By 1914, Walter and Ehrhard Leuschner joined as co-owners. Following Max Leuschner's death in 1923, the company ultimately ceased operations due to bankruptcy in 1926.