Derek W. Bailey is a trailblazer in the automotive industry.
He was inspired by C.R. Patterson, born into slavery in 1833. The National Museum of African American History and Culture reports little recollection of Patterson’s life on the plantation, and it is unclear whether his freedom was purchased or if he escaped. Nonetheless, he became a free man and learned the blacksmith trade, which opened doors to carriage-making. He later made history by founding C.R. Patterson & Sons after becoming the sole proprietor of a business venture he had initially started in partnership with J.P. Lowe. Patterson became the first Black automaker in the United States, and now Bailey is carrying the baton.
“He was actually born before the Emancipation Proclamation. He built a car company in that period and time,” Bailey told WSB-TV. “Black men have been doing great things throughout history.”
Bailey is making his mark as the owner of Atlanta, GA-based Derek Automotive, which has various electric vehicles through its subsidiaries. The company is on a mission to reduce global carbon emissions. Its vehicles can even be charged as they are being driven, its website mentions. There is no longer a need to rely solely on charging stations.
“To me, of all the electric car brands, there’s Tesla, and everything else is a Tesla, too. To me, they’re all Tesla ‘toos,'” he told Fox 5 Atlanta. “So I certainly didn’t want to be a Tesla 13.
Its product offerings include Exceeder, a logistic vehicle that will increase the driving team and lower operating costs.
“Our vision is to allow fleets to go electric effortlessly and be ahead of the inevitable rush to go electric. Exeeder will help businesses to reduce cost on fuel, maintain higher profit margins, and add more convenience in their transition to electric-drive,” its description reads.
Bailey has also released e-bikes, including the Electric Blade, Electra Zipline L1 eBike, and Electra eBiz Delivery Bike. The AVANI E4 SU is also available for purchase. Its 2024 model integrates artificial intelligence to manage the vehicle’s battery packs. This is made possible through its proprietary “Loop-Gen” technology, which works in conjunction with fuel to recharge its patented Proteus generator.
“In short, the Proteus system will be able to replenish kWs as fast as they are consumed in driving the vehicle. We acknowledge that there’s no such thing as cars having perpetual motion, but our new vehicles will be as close to free energy as can be,” a statement on the automakers website reads under the product’s description reads.
@legendary_sonny_g Made by Derek Automotive (Disclaimer: poster is not affiliated with Derek Motors) #Tesla #Honda #Hyundai #Cybertruck #RobertaFlack #BlackTikTok #blackhistorymonth #theswankiestcomedianyouknow #imalmostabigdeal #ignorelligentmediagroup #AtlantaHistory
