THE ELECTRIC CAR'S JOURNEY FROM 1830 TO TODAY: A SHORT HISTORY

Electric cars have come a long way. From once being labeled as unsafe, slow, inefficient, ugly, and undesirable, they have made an astonishing journey to become some of the best-selling vehicles worldwide. The success of electric cars can be attributed, at least in part, to the impact of modern-era electric vehicles such as the first-generation Tesla Roadster, which gained significant attention and changed people's perceptions, leading to a greater acceptance and interest in electric cars. Subsequently, the market has witnessed the introduction of various electric vehicles tailored to fulfill the diverse needs of consumers. Today, there is a wide range of options available, including smaller electric city cars, exceptional electric SUVs, and high-performance electric supercars that offer an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.

But we won't fully appreciate their epic transformation without digging into their fascinating story. Hence, we've traced the electric car's journey from 1830 to today. Let's dive in.

When Was The First Electric Car Made?

The first car to feature any kind of electric propulsion was developed by Scottish inventor Robert Anderson around the year 1832. Anderson's creation was a motorized carriage powered by galvanic cells (batteries) that were not rechargeable at that point. Despite this limitation, the carriage marked an important milestone in the history of automobiles by introducing electric power as a means of propulsion.

The Devil's Machine

Fast-forward to 1841, another Scottish inventor named Robert Davidson astounded audiences with an electric locomotive that pushed the boundaries of innovation. This impressive locomotive boasted a top speed of 4 mph and could effortlessly transport a weighty load of up to six tons and travel an impressive distance of 1.5 miles before requiring a battery change. Named Galvani, Davidson's electric locomotive caused quite a stir among local railway workers. Fearing the potential implications it posed to their livelihoods as steam engine maintainers, they gave it the unsettling nickname "devil machine." Eventually, these concerned workers took drastic action by destroying the locomotive, perceiving it as a direct threat to their job security.

1859: First Rechargeable Batteries Introduced

In 1859, rechargeable lead-acid batteries were introduced by French scientist Gaston Planté, providing a means to store and reuse energy efficiently. This breakthrough played a pivotal role in making electric cars a more viable and realistic transportation option. Meanwhile, over in England, an inventor named Thomas Parker played a significant role in the introduction of electric-powered trams and the development of prototype electric cars in 1884.

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The World's First 'Proper' Electric Car

Moving forward to 1890, William Morrison, a chemist originally from Scotland but residing in Des Moines, Iowa, submitted a patent application for an electric carriage that's now known as the world’s first ‘proper’ electric car. Morrison's electric carriage was equipped with front-wheel drive and boasted an impressive top speed of 20 mph while also generating a formidable 4 horsepower from its 24-cell battery pack. However, the most standout achievement was its impressive range. The vehicle could travel a remarkable 50 miles before requiring a recharge, making it a practical transportation option.

Widespread Appeal

As you'd expect, Morrison's groundbreaking invention ignited fierce competition among innovators and manufacturers, who were all vying to surpass each other with regard to electric vehicle technology and features – and the consumers absolutely loved it. Electric cars became the talk of the town, known for their quiet operation, ease of driving, and the lack of any unpleasant emissions that plagued the gas-guzzling and steam-powered automobiles of that era. These desirable qualities made them a preferred choice for individuals living in cities, especially women.

Then Came Ferdinand Porsche

It was the dawn of a new era in transportation, and the excitement soared to new heights when Ferdinand Porsche made his entrance onto the electric vehicle scene, with the Porsche P1 bringing even more goodies to the table following its debut in 1898. The Porsche P1 featured a compact electric drive system that produced approximately 3 horsepower. However, what made the vehicle truly exciting was the inclusion of a 'sports mode,' which temporarily boosted the output to 5 horsepower, enabling the car to reach a top speed of around 22 mph. As well, the Porsche P1 boasts an impressive driving range of 50 miles, making it a commendable performer in terms of distance covered.

Porsche wasn't the only big name to dabble in electric vehicles, however. The renowned Thomas Edison, along with his camping companion Henry Ford, also ventured into the realm of electric cars and even constructed at least one prototype. However, both Edison and Ford ultimately concluded that the gasoline engine held greater potential and opted to pursue its development, believing it had a more promising future compared to electric propulsion because electricity was not widely accessible outside cities.

1901: The First Hybrid Electric Car Was Invented

After the success of the P1, Porsche set its sights on combining the efficiency of electric motors with the power of petrol engines. In a groundbreaking development in 1900, he introduced what became the first fully functional hybrid car. Dubbed the 'Semper Vivus,' meaning 'always alive' in Latin, this vehicle utilized both electricity stored in a battery and a gas engine for power. The following year, the production-intent version was launched as the Lohner-Porsche "Mixte."

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Enter The Ford Model T

Following its introduction in 1908, the Ford Model T made gas-powered cars easily accessible and affordable for the general public. As a result, it hindered the progress and development of electric vehicles since a larger population could now afford gasoline-powered cars, leading to a decline in the demand and interest for electric vehicles.

The introduction of the electric starter in 1912, which replaced the need for manual hand cranks, and the discovery of affordable Texas crude oil contributed to a further increase in the popularity and sales of gas-powered vehicles. The availability of inexpensive gasoline, particularly in rural areas, made gas-powered vehicles more accessible and appealing to the general population. As a result, by 1935, electric vehicles had almost disappeared as the majority of people showed a preference for gasoline-run cars, even though some automakers kept on experimenting with electric vehicles.

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The 70s And Surging Gas Prices

From the 1930s to the 1970s, gas-powered cars had a successful period, with the muscle car industry booming in the 1960s and early 70s. However, this period of success was interrupted in the mid-1970s when the U.S. Congress implemented the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act mandated a significant reduction in emissions, specifically a 90% reduction, for all new cars manufactured from 1975 onwards. This legislation had a substantial impact on the automobile industry and forced manufacturers to develop and implement technologies that would help reduce emissions in their vehicles.

In addition, issues in the Middle East, specifically the Arab oil embargo of 1973, resulted in a major energy crisis. The ban was initiated in response to Western countries supporting Israel in its conflict with Egypt. As a result, the price of crude oil dramatically increased, quadrupling from $3 per barrel to $12 by 1974. This price hike had significant economic consequences globally since oil is a crucial resource used in various industries and transportation sectors. The Arab oil embargo and the subsequent rise in crude oil prices had far-reaching effects on the global economy and triggered efforts to reduce dependence on oil and seek alternative energy sources.

However, Detroit's major automobile manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) were unable to respond quickly to the changing industry trends. Their delay resulted in the inevitable obsolescence of their large, inefficient engines that relied on carburetors. As a result, the Japanese manufacturers seized this opportunity and flooded Western markets with their efficient and reliable cars.

Focus On Advancing Battery Technology

As mentioned, the global oil crisis and the implementation of the Clean Air Act sparked a renewed interest in finding alternative energy sources in the automotive industry. However, despite this interest, consumer demand for gasoline-powered cars remained high, partly because the government continued to subsidize the petrochemical industry. Although the achievement of the battery-powered four-wheeled Lunar Roving Vehicle as the first manned vehicle drive to drive on the moon briefly raised the profile of electric cars, it did not have a lasting impact.

Researchers persisted in their efforts to advance battery technology, nonetheless, and General Motors even developed a prototype for an urban electric car, which was showcased at a symposium in 1973. In the same year, chemist M. Stanley Whittingham and his team made a significant breakthrough in electric vehicle technology by developing the rechargeable lithium battery while working for Exxon. However, despite their modest capacity and rechargeable capabilities, these batteries were unstable and prone to sudden combustion and short-circuiting, leading Exxon to halt the project.

Enhanced Voltage Conductivity And Greater Stability

In his endeavor to enhance Whittingham's initial discovery, John Goodenough made significant advancements in battery technology. Goodenough's research in the late 1970s and early 1980s led to the discovery of a cobalt oxide cathode that improved the stability and voltage transmission compared to earlier prototypes. However, despite its promising characteristics, the use of cobalt was considered financially impractical on a large scale, and this hindered its commercial implementation.

A significant breakthrough later occurred when Akira Yoshino replaced the battery's anode with petroleum coke. This change not only made the battery more stable but also made it cheaper to produce. As a result, Yoshino is credited as the creator of the world's first lithium-ion battery. Fast forward to 1991, and Sony released the first commercially available lithium-ion battery, and this proved to be a game-changer. It sparked a massive revolution in tech and transportation, and its impact is still felt today, years down the line.

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Sebring-Vanguard's CitiCar: A Short Period Of Success

Despite the difficulties electric vehicles encountered during the 1970s, there were other positive advancements apart from the breakthroughs in battery technology. Notably, the CitiCar, which was produced by Sebring-Vanguard in Sebring, Florida, from 1974 to 1977, achieved major success during this time. With a price of approximately $3,000, this wedge-shaped compact car offered affordability and was equipped with a G.E. Series DC motor making between 2.5 to 6 horsepower. The car also featured a 36-48V battery pack, providing a range of up to 60 miles.

Sebring-Vanguard produced around 2,000 CitiCars, marking a significant level of success during that period. However, when energy prices decreased, and gas prices returned to lower levels, demand for electric vehicles declined sharply. As a result, the company faced financial difficulties and eventually declared bankruptcy in 1977.

The lack of interest in electric cars mainly stemmed from their restricted performance capabilities and limited range.

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1990-Present: Renewed Interest In Electric Cars

In the 1990s, there was a resurgence of interest in electric vehicles after a period of diminished enthusiasm. This shift was attributed to the implementation of new federal and state regulations. Specifically, the passage of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment and the 1992 Energy Policy Act played a significant role in changing perceptions and rekindling interest in electric vehicles.

As a result, automakers started adapting some of their popular vehicle models to electric power. This resulted in electric vehicles being able to reach speeds and performance levels comparable to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Not to mention, these electric cars had a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge, which made them more practical for everyday use.

General Motors EV1

Among the electric vehicles of that era, the GM EV1 gained significant recognition. This car was unique because G.M. designed and engineered it specifically as an electric vehicle from scratch. With an impressive range of 80 miles and the ability to accelerate from zero to 50 mph in just seven seconds, the EV1 developed a devoted following. Unfortunately, due to high production costs, the EV1 was not deemed commercially viable, resulting in G.M. discontinuing the model in 2001.

Toyota Prius: The First Mass-Produced Hybrid Car

The Toyota Prius, introduced in Japan in 1997 and globally in 2000, marked a significant advancement in electrification. It quickly gained popularity, aided by celebrity endorsements that increased its public profile. The Prius used a combination of a 1.5-liter gas engine, an electric motor, and a nickel metal hydride battery. This configuration enabled it to provide 72 horsepower, 85 lb-ft of torque, and achieve a 0 to 60 mph time of around 14.1 seconds. The first-gen Prius also boasted a combined fuel economy of 46.1 miles per gallon.

Due to its efficiency, rising gasoline prices, and growing concerns about carbon pollution, the Toyota Prius achieved substantial success. In fact, it has since grown to become the best-selling hybrid worldwide.

However, prior to the Toyota Prius making its way to the United States in 2000, Honda introduced the Insight hybrid in 1999. This marked the first time that a hybrid vehicle had been commercially available in the U.S. since the early 1900s.

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The Tesla Roadster And The Race To The Modern Electric Car

The announcement made by Tesla Motors in 2006 to produce an electric sports car capable of traveling over 200 miles on a single charge was yet another significant event that transformed the electric vehicle landscape. The subsequent release of the Tesla Roadster in 2008, with its eye-catching design, an impressive range of 245 miles, quick acceleration (0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds), and a top speed of 125 mph, completely changed the game for electric cars, defying previous expectations.

Following Tesla's groundbreaking success, other automakers, such as Nissan with the LEAF and Chevrolet with the Volt, joined the market in 2010. The Chevy Volt became the first commercially available plug-in hybrid, while the Nissan LEAF was an all-electric vehicle. This marked the beginning of an era where more automakers started releasing electric vehicles. In addition, the development of residential, commercial, and public charging infrastructure, along with advancements in battery technology, has made the transition to electric vehicles more accessible.

As a result of these advancements and supportive regulations, a diverse range of electric cars can be seen on roads today, including trucks, SUVs, sedans, and performance cars. The electric vehicle industry has experienced sustained growth, with over 10 million sales recorded worldwide in 2022, according to a CNBC report. The same report cites that there are approximately 26 million electric cars currently on the roads globally. With the ongoing implementation of strict emission regulations, this number is expected to increase further as automakers ramp up their production of electric vehicles.

Besides, numerous manufacturers, including BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley, have announced their intentions to transition their brand's lineup to be all-electric by the year 2030, underlining a broader industry trend where automakers are committing to a shift away from traditional internal combustion engines and toward electric vehicles.

Sources: Department of Energy, Porsche, GM, Toyota

2023-10-19T22:12:17Z dg43tfdfdgfd