Electric cars are often hailed as the future of transportation, a modern marvel born from environmental consciousness and technological innovation. However, the reality is that electric vehicles (EVs) have a history stretching back further than many realize. So, When Was The First Electric Car Made? The answer might surprise you, as the origins of the electric car predate the dominance of gasoline-powered vehicles by decades. Let’s embark on a journey through time to uncover the fascinating history of the electric car, exploring its early beginnings, its rise and fall, and its remarkable resurgence in recent times.
The Genesis of Electric Mobility: 1800s Innovations
Pinpointing the exact moment of the “first” electric car is a complex task. Unlike the invention of the light bulb or the telephone, the electric car wasn’t the brainchild of a single inventor in one specific year. Instead, its creation was a gradual process, a series of crucial breakthroughs throughout the 19th century that converged to make electric mobility a reality. The 1800s were a period of intense experimentation and innovation in electricity and mechanics, laying the groundwork for the electric vehicle.
Early in the century, the fundamental components necessary for an electric car began to emerge. Inventors across different countries were independently exploring the principles of electric motion. In Hungary, Ányos Jedlik, a priest and inventor, created an early model of an electric motor. Around the same time, innovators in the Netherlands and the United States, including a Vermont blacksmith, also experimented with battery-powered vehicles, producing some of the earliest small-scale electric car prototypes. These were rudimentary experiments, but they demonstrated the potential of electric power for locomotion.
The image shows a historical diagram of Ányos Jedlik’s electric motor. This visual aid helps illustrate the early technological developments that were foundational to the electric car’s invention. The alt text emphasizes the visual content and its historical significance.
While these early efforts were significant steps, the development of a more practical electric carriage is often credited to Robert Anderson, a British inventor. Around the 1830s, Anderson is believed to have developed a crude electric carriage. Details about Anderson’s vehicle are scarce, but historical accounts suggest it was a non-rechargeable battery-powered vehicle. While not a commercially viable automobile, Anderson’s creation is a crucial milestone in the timeline of electric vehicle development.
However, it was in the latter half of the 19th century that electric car development truly accelerated. French and English inventors played a pivotal role in this progress. Figures like Gaston Planté, who invented the lead-acid battery in 1859, and Camille Alphonse Faure, who significantly improved the lead-acid battery in 1881, provided more efficient and rechargeable power sources. These battery advancements were critical for making electric vehicles more practical and usable.
The First Successful Electric Car in America: William Morrison’s 1890 Vehicle
While Europe was a hotbed of early electric vehicle innovation, the United States also contributed significantly to the burgeoning technology. Around 1890, the first successful electric car in the U.S. was built by William Morrison, a chemist residing in Des Moines, Iowa.
Morrison’s vehicle was not intended to be a groundbreaking invention, but rather a practical demonstration of electric propulsion. Drawing upon his knowledge of batteries and electrical systems, Morrison created a six-passenger electric vehicle. Essentially, it was an electrified wagon, retrofitted with batteries and an electric motor. It was capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 14 miles per hour, a respectable pace for the time.
This image depicts William Morrison’s six-passenger electric car from 1890. The alt text provides context and details about the image, including the inventor and the year, which are important for understanding the history of early electric vehicles.
Although Morrison’s electric car was described as little more than an “electrified wagon,” its significance lies in its public debut and the spark of interest it ignited in electric vehicles within the United States. It demonstrated the feasibility of electric personal transportation to a wider American audience. Morrison didn’t mass-produce his vehicle, but it served as a powerful proof of concept, inspiring others to further explore and develop electric automobiles.
The Golden Age of Electric Cars: 1900 and the Early 20th Century
The years following Morrison’s successful demonstration witnessed a surge in electric vehicle development and adoption in the United States. Numerous automakers, both large and small, began producing electric cars. Cities like New York even embraced electric mobility for public transportation, with a fleet of over 60 electric taxis navigating the bustling streets.
By 1900, electric cars had reached their zenith, accounting for approximately one-third of all vehicles on American roads. This period is often considered the “golden age” of electric cars. For the first decade of the 20th century, electric vehicles continued to enjoy strong sales and widespread popularity.
To understand why electric cars were so popular at the turn of the 20th century, it’s crucial to consider the context of transportation at the time. Horses were still the dominant mode of personal transport. The newly invented “motor vehicle” was emerging as an alternative, but early automobiles were available in three main types: steam-powered, gasoline-powered, and electric-powered.
Steam technology was well-established, powering factories and trains reliably. However, steam cars had significant drawbacks for personal use. They required lengthy startup times, sometimes up to 45 minutes, especially in cold weather. They also needed frequent water refills, limiting their range and practicality for longer journeys.
Gasoline cars, powered by the internal combustion engine, were also under development. While promising, early gasoline cars were far from user-friendly. They were difficult to operate, requiring manual gear changes and hand cranks for starting, which could be challenging and even dangerous. Furthermore, they were noisy and produced unpleasant exhaust fumes.
Electric cars, in contrast, offered several compelling advantages. They were quiet, easy to drive (often requiring simpler controls), and produced no tailpipe emissions – a significant advantage in increasingly polluted urban centers. They were particularly popular with urban residents, especially women, who appreciated their clean operation and ease of use for short trips within the city. Poor road conditions outside of cities limited the appeal of all types of cars for long-distance travel, further enhancing the electric car’s suitability for urban environments. As electricity became more accessible in the 1910s, charging electric cars became easier, further boosting their appeal to a wider range of people.
Even prominent figures within the nascent gasoline car industry recognized the potential of electric vehicles. A 1911 New York Times article highlighted that “best known and prominent makers of gasoline cars” were also exploring electric vehicle technology, indicating the perceived strength and future of electric mobility at the time.
Innovation and Early Setbacks: Porsche, Edison, and Ford
The early success of electric cars attracted the attention of numerous innovators who sought to improve the technology further. Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of the renowned sports car company, was among them. In 1898, Porsche developed the P1, an electric car that showcased his engineering prowess. Around the same time, he also created the world’s first hybrid electric car, a vehicle powered by both electricity and a gasoline engine – a concept remarkably ahead of its time.
This image showcases the Porsche P1 electric car from 1898. The alt text identifies the vehicle model and year, emphasizing its historical relevance as an early example of electric car innovation from a famous automotive name.
Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor and advocate for electric power, also believed in the superiority of electric vehicles. He dedicated significant effort to developing better, more efficient electric car batteries. Edison even collaborated with his friend Henry Ford to explore the possibility of a low-cost electric car in 1914.
However, despite these promising developments and high-profile endorsements, the electric car’s initial dominance was short-lived. Henry Ford’s own revolutionary achievement, the mass-produced Model T, ultimately dealt a significant blow to the electric car’s early reign.
Introduced in 1908, the Model T made gasoline-powered cars widely accessible and affordable to the average American. By 1912, the price of a gasoline car had plummeted to just $650, while an electric roadster cost a significantly higher $1,750. This price disparity made gasoline cars far more attractive to budget-conscious consumers.
In the same year, Charles Kettering’s invention of the electric starter further tipped the scales in favor of gasoline cars. The electric starter eliminated the inconvenient and sometimes dangerous hand crank, making gasoline cars easier and more convenient to operate for a broader range of drivers, including women and those with less physical strength.
Further developments in infrastructure and resource availability also contributed to the decline of electric vehicles. The 1920s saw the expansion of road networks connecting cities, fueling a desire for longer-distance travel. The discovery of vast crude oil reserves in Texas made gasoline cheap and readily available, especially in rural areas. Gas stations began to proliferate across the country, providing convenient refueling infrastructure for gasoline cars. In contrast, electricity infrastructure outside of urban areas was still limited, making charging electric cars in rural locations impractical.
By 1935, electric vehicles had largely vanished from the automotive landscape, eclipsed by the rise of affordable, convenient, and increasingly capable gasoline-powered cars. The initial promise of electric mobility faded into obscurity for several decades.
Re-emergence from the Shadows: Gas Crises and Renewed Interest
For approximately three decades following their decline, electric vehicles entered a period of relative dormancy. The abundance of cheap gasoline and continuous improvements in internal combustion engine technology overshadowed any demand for alternative fuel vehicles.
However, the late 1960s and early 1970s brought about a dramatic shift. Soaring oil prices and gasoline shortages, culminating in the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo, triggered a renewed interest in reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil and exploring domestically sourced fuels. The U.S. Congress responded by passing the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1976. This legislation authorized the Department of Energy to support research and development in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies, signaling a policy shift towards exploring alternatives to gasoline.
Around this time, major automakers and smaller companies alike began to revisit electric vehicle technology. General Motors developed a prototype urban electric car, showcasing it at the Environmental Protection Agency’s First Symposium on Low Pollution Power Systems Development in 1973. American Motors Corporation produced electric delivery jeeps, which the United States Postal Service tested in a 1975 pilot program. Even NASA contributed to raising the profile of electric vehicles when its electric Lunar rover became the first manned vehicle to drive on the moon in 1971, demonstrating the capability of electric propulsion in an extreme environment.
Despite these renewed efforts, electric vehicles of the 1970s still faced significant limitations compared to their gasoline counterparts. Performance was restricted, with typical top speeds around 45 miles per hour, and range was limited to approximately 40 miles before requiring a recharge. Battery technology had not advanced sufficiently to overcome these limitations and make electric vehicles truly competitive with gasoline cars in terms of performance and range.
Environmental Awakening and Modern Revival: 1990s to Present
The 1990s marked another turning point for electric vehicles, driven by growing environmental awareness and stricter emissions regulations. Two key pieces of legislation, the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment and the 1992 Energy Policy Act, along with California’s stringent transportation emissions regulations issued by the California Air Resources Board, created a renewed impetus for electric vehicle development and adoption in the United States.
Automakers began adapting existing gasoline vehicle models into electric versions. This generation of electric vehicles achieved performance levels closer to gasoline cars, with improved speeds and ranges, often reaching around 60 miles on a single charge.
One of the most iconic electric cars of this era was GM’s EV1. Unlike conversions of existing models, the EV1 was designed and engineered from the ground up as a dedicated electric vehicle. Featured prominently in the 2006 documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?, the EV1 boasted an impressive range of 80 miles and could accelerate from 0 to 50 miles per hour in just seven seconds. It quickly gained a cult following among enthusiasts. However, due to high production costs and limited commercial viability, GM ultimately discontinued the EV1 program in 2001.
Despite the EV1’s limited lifespan, behind the scenes, scientists and engineers, supported by the Department of Energy, continued to work on advancing electric vehicle technology, particularly battery technology.
The true resurgence of the electric car, the wave of innovation and adoption we witness today, began around the start of the 21st century. Two key events are often credited with sparking this modern EV revolution.
First, the introduction of the Toyota Prius in Japan in 1997, and its global release in 2000, marked a watershed moment. The Prius became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. Its success, amplified by celebrity endorsements and growing environmental consciousness, significantly raised the profile of hybrid technology. Toyota’s use of nickel-metal hydride batteries, a technology supported by Department of Energy research, was crucial to the Prius’s success. Rising gasoline prices and increasing concerns about carbon emissions further cemented the Prius’s position as the best-selling hybrid worldwide for over a decade.
(Historically, Honda’s Insight hybrid, released in the U.S. in 1999, predated the Prius in the American market, becoming the first hybrid sold in the U.S. since the early 1900s.)
The second pivotal event was the announcement in 2006 by Tesla Motors, a small Silicon Valley startup, that they would produce a luxury electric sports car capable of exceeding 200 miles on a single charge. Tesla’s audacious goal and subsequent success demonstrated the potential of electric vehicles to deliver not just efficiency but also high performance and long range. A $465 million loan from the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office in 2010, which Tesla repaid nine years early, helped the company establish a manufacturing facility in California. Tesla has since become a dominant force in the electric vehicle market, earning widespread acclaim and becoming the largest auto industry employer in California.
Tesla’s emergence spurred established automakers to accelerate their own electric vehicle programs. In late 2010, the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan LEAF were launched in the U.S. market. The Volt, a plug-in hybrid, combined an electric drivetrain with a gasoline engine range extender. The LEAF, an all-electric vehicle (or battery-electric vehicle, EV), relied solely on electric power.
Over the following years, more automakers entered the electric vehicle market, offering a growing range of models. Addressing a key challenge of early EVs, the Department of Energy invested over $115 million through the Recovery Act to build a nationwide charging infrastructure, adding over 18,000 public and private charging outlets across the U.S. Automakers and private businesses also expanded charging networks, bringing the total number of public electric vehicle charging locations to over 8,000, with more than 20,000 charging outlets available today.
Simultaneously, advancements in battery technology, supported by the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, dramatically improved electric vehicle range and reduced battery costs. Research and development efforts have led to a 50% reduction in electric vehicle battery costs in recent years, while simultaneously enhancing battery performance, power, energy density, and durability. These improvements have made electric vehicles more affordable and practical for consumers.
Today, consumers have an unprecedented selection of electric vehicle options. From compact city cars to luxury SUVs, a diverse range of plug-in electric and hybrid models are available. As gasoline prices fluctuate and environmental concerns intensify, electric vehicles are experiencing a surge in popularity, with hundreds of thousands of plug-in EVs and millions of hybrids now on the road in the United States.
The Road Ahead: The Future of Electric Mobility
The future trajectory of electric vehicles remains dynamic and full of potential. They are increasingly recognized as a crucial component of a sustainable transportation future. Transitioning to widespread adoption of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles could significantly reduce reliance on foreign oil and substantially decrease carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
Government initiatives, such as President Obama’s EV Everywhere Grand Challenge, aim to accelerate the affordability and adoption of electric vehicles. Ongoing research and development efforts, like the Department of Energy’s Joint Center for Energy Storage Research at Argonne National Laboratory and ARPA-E’s advanced technology programs, are pushing the boundaries of battery technology and exploring innovative solutions for electric vehicle components and systems.
While the exact path of electric vehicle evolution is uncertain, their long history and current momentum strongly suggest that they will play an increasingly dominant role in shaping the future of transportation, driving us towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and electrically powered tomorrow.
