How Did We Get From The First Electric Car To Now?

When it comes to electric cars, the journey has been a wild one. We've come a long way from the first electric car, made in the late 1800s, to the efficient, powerful and tech-savvy electric cars of today. Here, we take a look at the route we've travelled to get to where we are now.

Summary:

Early History

In 1828, Hungarian inventor Anyos Jedlik created the first electric motor, a breakthrough in the development of electric cars. From then on, the electric car industry began to grow, with the first electric-powered vehicle being recorded in the late 19th century. This first car, the hybrid electric vehicle called the 'Schuyler', was a combination of a gasoline motor and an electric motor.

20th Century Progress

The 20th century saw the first appearance of fully electric cars, as well as the first electric car race. This race was held in France in 1899, and it featured a total of six cars, four of which were electric. A few years later, in 1912, a fully electric car known as the 'Detroit Electric' was released, which featured a range of up to 80 miles per charge.

The EV Revolution

By the beginning of the 21st century, electric cars had become a reality. Companies such as Tesla, Nissan, and GM had released their first electric vehicles and were continuing to develop their range and capability.

• Tesla: Tesla released its first car, the Roadster, in 2008. It featured a range of up to 244 miles per charge, and it was the first mass-produced electric vehicle with a range over 200 miles.
• Nissan: Nissan released the Leaf in 2010, the first mass-produced, all-electric vehicle with a range of up to 107 miles per charge.
• GM: GM released the Bolt in 2017. This car features a range of up to 259 miles per charge, making it the first mass-produced electric car with a range over 200 miles.

The Present Day

Now, electric cars have become a fixture of the automotive industry. Automakers from all over the world are now producing all-electric and hybrid models, and their range and capabilities are only increasing. The number of electric cars on the roads has risen exponentially since the beginning of the decade, and it is estimated that by the end of the decade there will be more than 1.5 million electric cars on the roads.

The Future of Electric Cars

The future looks bright for electric cars. Automakers are continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electric vehicles, and as technology advances, these cars are only going to become more efficient and powerful. With the advent of self-driving cars, we could soon be living in a world where electric cars are the norm.

Conclusion

From the first electric car to now, the journey of electric cars has been an exciting one. We've gone from cars with a range of up to 80 miles per charge to cars with a range of up to 259 miles per charge. We've seen the development of all-electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and self-driving cars, and it's clear that electric vehicles are here to stay.