You may be surprised to learn that electric vehicles have been around since the 19th century. The inception of the first successful electric vehicle can actually be traced back to the 1800s.
The origins of electric cars
The origins of the electric vehicle spring from a series of breakthroughs in the 1800s. With horse-drawn vehicles being the norm, pioneers in Europe began experimenting with the idea of a battery-powered vehicle. This quickly led to the creation of some of the first small-scale electric cars.
While early efforts were raw, the mid-1830s laid the groundwork for the first practical electric car. The invention of the crude-electric vehicle and lead-acid batteries, provided the means to generate and store electricity on board a vehicle, showcasing its early potential.
When was the first fully electric car made?
The first successful electric vehicle was created in 1890. Despite being little more than an electrified wagon, this four-wheeled creation had a top speed of 14mph and helped to spark interest in electric cars across the United States.
Who made the first fully electric car?
William Morrison, a chemist based in Des Moines, Iowa was behind the invention of the first practical electric car. He demonstrated the untapped potential of electrical technology by creating the world’s first self-powered, electrical carriage.
The early rise and fall of electric cars
Electric vehicles soon grew popular compared to the dominant gas and steam-powered automobiles at the time. That’s because they did not require a hand crank to operate and discharged no odorous pollutants. By 1900, electric cars accounted for a third of all vehicles on the road.
Most of these were found in New York City, where they were used as taxis.
innovators like Thomas Edison soon began ways to improve their batteries, as this mode of transport was considered superior to other motor vehicles.
Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the famous car brand, quickly created the world’s first hybrid electric car – powered by electricity from a battery and gas engine.
The highest point in electric vehicles’ early history was marked by a partnership between Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. The latter wanted to explore the possibility of a low-cost electric car for the mass market. But this partnership also marked a big blow to early electric cars.
The EV dark ages
Electric vehicles soon grew popular compared to the dominant gas and steam-powered automobiles at the time. That’s because they did not require a hand crank to operate and discharged no odorous pollutants. By 1900, electric cars accounted for a third of all vehicles on the road.
Most of these were found in New York City, where they were used as taxis.
innovators like Thomas Edison soon began ways to improve their batteries, as this mode of transport was considered superior to other motor vehicles.
Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the famous car brand, quickly created the world’s first hybrid electric car – powered by electricity from a battery and gas engine.
The highest point in electric vehicles’ early history was marked by a partnership between Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. The latter wanted to explore the possibility of a low-cost electric car for the mass market. But this partnership also marked a big blow to early electric cars.
The electric car renaissance
Decades would pass before interest in the viability of electric cars would grow again
New regulations around emissions near the end of the 20th century, shifted the attention of automakers to improving electric motor vehicles.
An early turning point in the success of electric cars was the introduction of the Toyota Prius . This was the first mass-produced hybrid electric car. Released in 2000, it was an immediate hit – and helped to raise the profile of the technology. Find out more about the benefits of driving a hybrid car.
Another watershed moment was the formation of a then little-known company called Tesla Motors in 2003. Three years later it would announce a modern electric sports car – the Tesla Roadster – that could go more than 200 miles on a single charge using lithium-ion batteries.
The Silicon Valley company would soon receive almost half a billion dollars loan from the US government to establish a production facility to produce electric vehicles commercially.
Tesla’s accomplishment encouraged other car manufacturers to focus on producing electric cars, quickly leading to the debut of the Nissan Leaf in 2011. One of the best-selling EVs of all time, this model demonstrated the commercial viability of competing against Tesla in the mass market.
The future of electric cars
Environmental factors have only encouraged and facilitated the production of electric vehicles, opening the way for a more sustainable future.
Consumers now have a wide range of options when buying electric, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric. Most car brands have now produced either a hybrid or full electric, as it’s estimated that road transport makes up 11% of global emissions and has a big impact on climate change.
It is estimated that there are more than 15 million electric vehicles on the world’s roads today. There are roughly 7.3 million chargers globally too, with this number growing every day.
While it’s hard to tell what the future for electric cars holds, it’s clear they are the future. Many governments around the world think so too, with several countries planning to ban the sale of gas-powered cars in the future.
Summary
It’s easy to forget that today’s electric cars have their roots in the 19th century. The first practical electric car in 1890 may not have been an immediate success in the years after. Its early failure, compounded by the triumph of the internal combustion engine vehicle – being more affordable and reliable – was the result of being ahead of its time.
As the world continues to become more sustainable and with a ban on gas-powered vehicles looming in the UK in 2030, it’s clear they are now here to stay.
There truly is no better time to buy an electric car from Motorpoint. We offer flexible car finance options that make buying electric easy. Reserve and collect your dream electric car for just £99 today.
Ceysun Dixon 