The very first crude electric carriage appeared in the early 1830s, and the first practical, road-usable electric car rolled out in 1888.
Many people see electric automotive technology as if it were brand-new, mostly because of the excitement and publicity surrounding the Tesla brand and the next generation of EVs.
In reality, electric cars actually predate gasoline vehicles by over 100 years. The very first crude electric vehicle (understood as being some form of electric carriage) was built in the early 1830s.
It was followed by the first operationally ready production electric vehicle (after multiple iterations) in 1888.
By approximately 1900, electric vehicles were quite common in cities and were only absent from roads until the late 1990s, when they made an enormous resurgence.
The Story of the First-Ever Electric Vehicles (1830s-1880s)
The beginning of the electric car had its genesis in the 1830s when Scottish inventor Robert Anderson created an electric carriage between 1832 and 1839.
This vehicle was powered by a non-rechargeable battery. Therefore, it could be considered an electric vehicle proof-of-concept rather than a usable car option due to the battery technology of the time being so primitive.
Not to mention, these carriages were unable to recharge themselves, thus limiting any true progress.
In 1888, the Flocken Elektrowagen was built by German inventor Andreas Flocken and is considered the first “real” electric car.
The car was able to drive on the roads & was also the first practical electric car because of its rechargeable battery, chassis, and electric motor.
Electric Car History Timeline
- 1832–1839 – Robert Anderson (Scotland) builds the first crude electric carriage (non-rechargeable batteries, more experiment than a vehicle).
- 1840s – Early electric locomotives were tested (mostly destroyed by angry railway workers who feared job loss).
- 1859 – Gaston Planté invents the rechargeable lead-acid battery (huge breakthrough).
- 1881 – Gustave Trouvé demonstrates a rechargeable electric tricycle in Paris.
- 1884 – Thomas Parker builds the first production electric car in England.
- 1888 – Andreas Flocken creates the Flocken Elektrowagen in Germany, widely regarded as the first truly practical electric car.
- 1890-1891 – William Morrison (Iowa, USA) builds and patents a successful 6-passenger electric wagon that hits 14 mph and becomes a sensation at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
- 1897 – Electric taxis start operating in New York and London.
- 1900 – Electric cars made up ~1/3 of all vehicles on U.S. roads – more popular than gasoline cars at the time.
- 1912 – Electric starter invented → gasoline cars become easier to drive → electric cars lose ground fast.
- 1930s – Electric vehicles nearly disappear from mainstream use.
- 1990s – GM EV1 and early hybrids (Toyota Prius 1997) revive interest.
- 2008 – Tesla Roadster launches – modern EV era begins.
Electric Cars in the United States (1890s)
William Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa (USA) built the first successful electric car between 1887 and 1890. His vehicle was capable of carrying 6 passengers at a speed of 14 mph, and would need recharging every 50 miles.
The vehicle helped spark the interest of Americans in electric cars after it was driven in a parade in 1888 & later displayed at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
By the late 1890s, electric taxis were operational in several major cities in the US and Europe, including New York City, London, and many others.
Electric cabs were particularly prevalent in Boston & Baltimore, and they were much nicer to drive than the early gasoline vehicles, which produced a lot of noise, pollution, and required a hand crank to start.
Electric cars accounted for about 1/3 of vehicles on the road in the USA in and around 1900.
Why Did Electric Cars Almost Disappear?
The electric vehicle (EV) boom in the early 20th century was stunted by four major events:
- The release of Henry Ford’s Model T in 1908, which fell in price to $390 by 1915, while electric vehicles sold for 3-5 times more at that time.
- Charles Kettering’s development of the electric starter made it easy to start gas-powered vehicles and eliminated one of the barriers to purchase for consumers.
- The influx of Texas crude oil in the mid-1910s resulted in very low gasoline prices.
- Roadway improvements led many consumers to pursue gasoline vehicles for their increased range compared to electric vehicles.
By the 1930s, electric vehicles were virtually non-existent in daily use.
Modern Revival of Electric Cars – From GM EV1 to Tesla
Interest in electric vehicles peaked during the oil crises of the 1970s, but real growth occurred during the late 1990s & 2000s with:
1997: The Toyota Prius became the first mass-produced hybrid car.
1996-1999: GM EV1 (lease-only, subsequently crushed) gained notoriety through the documentary “Who Killed The Electric Car?”
2008: Tesla Roadster became the first long-range, modern electric vehicle.
2010-2011: Chevy Volt was the first plug-in hybrid, and the Nissan LEAF became the mass-market electric vehicle.
Since that period, battery costs have decreased by approximately 90%, range has doubled from 200 to 400 miles, and charging stations have been built all across the country.
Read Also: How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car?
Common Myths Debunked
Myth #1: Tesla is the first to make an Electric Car.
False! While Tesla did revive & popularize “Modern” EVs, the concept of EVs as a whole had existed for more than 170 years before Tesla’s inception.
Myth #2: Elon Musk Invented the Electric Car.
False – Elon Musk is the co-founder of Tesla. He has helped advance the electric vehicle market considerably, but neither he nor anyone at Tesla invented electric vehicles, nor did they create the first modern-era electric vehicle.
You May Also Like: What Car Does Elon Musk Drive? [Inside His Full Car Collection].
Myth #3: Electric Cars Are a New Technology.
False – Electric vehicles existed before gasoline-powered vehicles and require further advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure so they can compete fairly.
Myth #4: Gasoline-Powered Vehicles Will Be Illegal in 2035.
There isn’t a universal prohibition of gasoline-powered vehicles. Only some nations/states have set an objective date of 2035 for new gasoline vehicle sales, but regardless, people will continue to operate existing gasoline vehicles for decades to come.
The Quebec government has already lifted the ban on gas-powered vehicle sales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the first electric car ever made?
Robert Anderson constructed the initial crude electric carriage while using his purest electrical supplies from 1832 to 1839. Also, the first practical road-ready electric vehicle to hit the market was the 1888 Flocken Elektrowagen by Andreas Flocken.
Were Teslas the first electric cars?
No. Even though the Tesla Roadster (2008) was the first EV manufactured for extended range driving and was considered a high-performance electric vehicle, EVs had already existed for more than 170 years before.
Did we have electric cars before gas cars?
Yes. There were electric models available to buy on the market, and if people had made use of them, they would easily account for more urban travelers than those traveling in gasoline vehicles in the same era.
Who actually invented the electric car?
There is no single inventor. However, there are a few names who can be considered as the earliest inventors to develop the electric vehicle, including Robert Anderson (1830s), Thomas Parker (1884), Andreas Flocken (1888), William Morrison (1890), and many others.
Do electric cars need oil changes?
No, EV’s are not equipped with any engine oil. Therefore, there are no requirements for ongoing oil change services.
Instead, various fluids must be changed and/or serviced at intervals established by vehicle manufacturers. These fluid types include brake fluids, coolants, and transmission fluid.
Final Say
EVs aren’t new, and it might come as a shock to many, but they predate gasoline cars. They are definitely making a comeback with better batteries, lower costs, and growing charging stations.
I hope you learned about the history & evolution of EVs so that when you buy your next car, you can make an informed decision.
What’s your favorite EV mode and why? Let us know in the comments!
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_electric_vehicle
https://www.energy.gov/articles/history-electric-car
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/hybrid-technology/history-of-electric-cars.htm
