First Electric Streetcar Line Opens in Germany

September 12, 1888, saw the debut of the world's first practical electric tramway in Lichterfelde near Berlin, Germany. Engineer Werner von Siemens designed the 2.5 km overhead-wire system using 180-volt DC power, powering a converted horse car. Overcoming challenges like current collection and insulation, the line carried passengers reliably at 20 km/h. This innovation built on Siemens' 1879 Berlin exhibition and influenced global adoption of electric traction. It reduced urban pollution from horses and enabled denser city growth. The event connected to broader electrification trends, paving the way for subways and high-speed rail while showcasing German engineering prowess in the late 19th century.