Early electric tram. Historical artwork of an early electric tram used in France. This tram is using overhead wires as its source of electrical power. The driver is seen at the front of the tram, with an advert above his head. Trams are street vehicles that run on rails. They were first used in France from 1853, and at first were powered by animals. The advent of new technology led to steam-powered trams (1873) and then electric trams (1881). Artwork from A Travers l'Electricite (G. Dary, Paris, 1900).