Private company

Tribelhorn

Automobile manufacturer, Switzerland, founded in 19021

The Tribelhorn was a Swiss electric car manufactured in Zurich from 1899 to 1919, although production did not begin in earnest until 1902. The car was offered in both three- and four-wheeled versions. Additionally, the company produced trolleytrucks that were used in Gümmenen and Mühleberg, Switzerland, between 1918 and 1922 during the construction of a dam.2 It was founded by Johann Albert Tribelhorn.1 It ceased to exist in 1920.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1902Founded1
Neue Frabik Tribelhorn, Elektrofahrzeug Ag in Altstätten ab 1918
Photo: Nachlass Tribelhorn, Elektrofahrzeug AG, Neue Elektrofahrzeug AG, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons4

The Tribelhorn was a Swiss electric car manufactured in Zurich from 1899 to 1919, although production did not begin in earnest until 1902. The car was offered in both three- and four-wheeled versions. Additionally, the company produced trolleytrucks that were used in Gümmenen and Mühleberg, Switzerland, between 1918 and 1922 during the construction of a dam. After 1919, it focused solely on producing light utility vans.2

The story

Founded by Johann Albert Tribelhorn in 1902.1

A. Tribelhorn & Cie. AG was founded in Feldbach, Switzerland, in 1902, initially focusing on manufacturing automobiles and trucks. In 1918, the company underwent a name change to Electrische Fahrzeuge AG and relocated to Altstetten in Zürich. Production of the Tribelhorn ceased in 1920.

From Wikipedia’s article on Tribelhorn, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3

Leadership

Who has led Tribelhorn, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Products and brands

The first prototype of the Tribelhorn was developed in 1902, exclusively featuring an electric motor. The company primarily focused on manufacturing commercial vehicles, producing only small quantities of passenger vehicles.

The Tribelhorn received its patent in 1912. The vehicle enjoyed moderate popularity, with 78 vehicles registered in 1910, 121 in 1912, 121 in 1917, and 112 in 1918. In 1915, Tribelhorn also designed an electric wheelchair.

Currently, two Tribelhorn vehicles are exhibited at the Verkehrshaus der Schweiz (Swiss Museum of Transport) in Luzern.

Additionally, a conference room at Tesla Motors, Inc. is named after the company.

From Wikipedia’s article on Tribelhorn, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3

Timeline

  1. 1920Dissolved Dissolved1
  2. 1902Founded Founded1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

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