Thomas Parker (inventor)
Thomas Parker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 December 1843 Coalbrookdale, England |
| Died | 5 December 1915 (aged 71) Ironbridge, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Electrical engineer |
| Known for | Electric car pioneer |
Thomas Parker FRSE MICE (22 December 1843 – 5 December 1915) was an English electrical engineer, inventor and industrialist. He patented improvements in lead-acid batteries and dynamos, and was a pioneer of manufacturing equipment that powered electric tramways and electric lighting. He invented the smokeless fuel Coalite. He formed the first company to distribute electricity over a wide area.
He was described by Lord Kelvin as "the Edison of Europe".