Electric vehicles (EVs) have a rich and storied history that spans over a century – a lot of which is unheard of by most people. In that time they’ve gone from being the go-to solution for personal transport to extinct and back to popularity again, let’s find out why…
The Early Years
The concept of electric vehicles was first explored in the 19th century. In 1828, Hungarian engineer Ányos Jedlik created a simple vehicle powered by a basic electric motor. However, it wasn’t until the 1830s and 1840s that inventors like Thomas Davenport and Robert Anderson developed practical electric vehicles. These early EVs were primarily used for small-scale applications, such as powering model trains.
The Rise of Electric Carriages
By the late 19th century, electric vehicles started to gain popularity, particularly as electric carriages. This was due in part to the invention of the rechargeable battery by Gaston Planté in 1859. With rechargeable batteries, EVs could now travel longer distances without having to stop to recharge. In 1889, Flocken Elektrowagen, built by the inventor Thomas Parker, was considered one of the earliest electric cars. These vehicles were quiet and emitted no noxious fumes, making them attractive for personal transportation. One of the most popular EVs of the late 19th century was the Electric Carriage Company’s Electrobat. The Electrobat was a six-passenger vehicle that could reach a top speed of 14 mph. It was also relatively affordable, costing around $1,000.
The Electric Boom
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the heyday of electric vehicles. One of the most notable examples was the Baker Electric Car, which was produced from 1899 to 1916 and was known for its reliability and ease of use. Electric cars became popular among the upper class, particularly among women, as they were easier to operate than early gasoline-powered vehicles.
Ford’s Model T and the Decline of EVs
While electric vehicles were thriving, gasoline-powered cars were also emerging. Gasoline cars had a longer driving range and were more suitable for longer trips. By the mid-1950s gasoline engines were becoming more reliable and efficient, additionally, the discovery of large oil reserves contributed to the growth of gasoline cars. The turning point came with Henry Ford’s introduction of the Model T in 1908. The Model T was affordable and mass-produced, making gasoline-powered cars accessible to the masses. It was also more convenient since there were no public charging stations at the time. This marked the beginning of the decline of electric vehicles as they struggled to compete with the Model T’s affordability and convenience.
Challenges and the Rise of Gasoline Cars
Electric vehicles faced several challenges in the early 20th century, including limited range, long recharging times, and the advent of the electric starter for gasoline cars, which made them easier to operate. By the 1930s, electric vehicles had mostly disappeared from the mainstream market, overshadowed by the convenience and accessibility of gasoline-powered cars.
NASA’s Lunar Rover
While electric vehicles struggled on Earth, they found a unique purpose in space exploration. In the early 1970s, NASA introduced the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) as part of the Apollo missions. These electric rovers were essential for transporting astronauts on the Moon’s surface. They were lightweight and designed to operate in the vacuum of space, showcasing the versatility and reliability of electric propulsion.
The Modern Resurgence
The interest in electric vehicles was rekindled in the late 20th century, driven by concerns about pollution and oil dependency. Automakers like General Motors and Toyota introduced electric vehicles in the 1990s, although they were limited in availability and range.
GM’s EV1 and Controversial Recall
In 1996, General Motors introduced the EV1, one of the first modern electric cars available for lease. The EV1 received positive reviews for its performance and was seen as a step toward a cleaner future. However, in a controversial move, GM recalled and discontinued the EV1 program in the early 2000s, leading to protests and criticism from EV enthusiasts and environmentalists. This event highlighted the challenges faced by early electric vehicle adopters.
Toyota’s Game-Changer: The Prius
In 1997, Toyota introduced the Prius, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that combined an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. The Prius proved to be a game-changer, popularizing the idea of hybrid technology and greater fuel efficiency. It set the stage for the broader acceptance of electric and hybrid vehicles in the automotive market.
Tesla: A New Era Begins
The founding of Tesla Motors in 2003 marked a pivotal moment in the history of electric vehicles. Tesla’s mission was to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, starting with electric cars. In 2004 Elon Musk invested in Tesla, in 2008 he would become CEO and Tesla would embark on a journey that would reshape the automotive industry.
The Tesla Roadster: Electrifying Performance
In 2008, Tesla announced the Roadster, an all-electric sports car. The Roadster was a breakthrough in electric vehicle technology, offering impressive performance with a range of over 200 miles (320 kilometers) on a single charge. It challenged the perception that electric cars were slow and limited in range, showcasing the potential of electric propulsion for high-performance vehicles.
The Nissan Leaf: A Mass-Market EV
In 2010, Nissan released the Leaf, an affordable all-electric car designed for the mass market. The Leaf’s introduction marked a significant milestone, as it was one of the first electric vehicles available to a broad range of consumers. With a practical range and a growing charging infrastructure, the Leaf contributed to the increasing popularity of electric cars. The Leaf would become very popular in Japan – its home country, as well as across Europe, North America, and China.
GM’s Chevy Bolt: An Affordable EV
General Motors made another significant foray into the electric vehicle market with the release of the Chevrolet Bolt in 2016. The Bolt offered an affordable price point and an impressive range, making it a compelling option for those looking to transition to electric vehicles. It represented GM’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
The Future of Electric Vehicles
As we look ahead, electric vehicles are poised to play a significant role in the future of transportation. Governments around the world are implementing policies to promote electric vehicle adoption, as well as limit or outright ban sales of new internal combustion engine vehicles in the coming decade, and automakers are investing heavily in EV technology. With the promise of cleaner and more sustainable transportation, the future of electric vehicles looks brighter than ever.
Conclusion
The history of electric vehicles is a complex and dynamic journey filled with innovation, challenges, and resurgences. From their early beginnings in the 19th century to the modern electric revolution led by companies like Tesla, EVs have come a long way. As technology continues to advance and environmental concerns grow, electric vehicles are well-positioned to become the dominant mode of transportation in the 21st century. Their journey is far from over, and the next chapters promise even more exciting developments in the world of electric mobility.