Introduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) provide a cleaner, quieter transportation option, capturing consumer interest. The history of EVs dates to the 1800s, showcasing a story of innovation and persistence. Pioneered by Hungarian engineer Ányos Jedlik, EVs gained popularity in the 20th century. Despite a mid-20th-century decline in favour of ICE vehicles, the 21st century is witnessing a resurgence of electric vehicles driven by battery advancements and environmental consciousness. Government incentives are further boosting sales, promising improved range, faster charging, and affordability.

The early days: 19th century

The history of EVs goes back to the early 19th century when inventors began experimenting with electric power. In 1828 Ányos Jedlik created a simple vehicle model powered by a simple electric motor - while it was only a prototype, it laid the groundwork for future developments.

The development of electric cars soared in the late 19th and early 20th century. The first electric taxis were seen on the streets of New York City in 1897. Electric automobiles like trucks grew in popularity in the coming years. The Detroit Electric Model D electric automobile made in 1912, travelled 388 kms on a single charge. Some of the most famous personalities who drove EVs include Thomas Edison, John D. Rockefeller, and Clara Ford, the wife of Henry Ford.

Mid-Twentieth century: The decline

The popularity of EVs began to decrease in mid-20th century because fuel-powered vehicles were preferred, due to the development of the internal combustion engine (ICE). Some of the other reasons for the decline in the popularity of EVs were:

• Early EVs had restricted range due to technological limitations.
• Fuelling stations were well-established compared to the limited charging infrastructure for EVs.
• Batteries at the time were heavy and low-capacity and hence could not compete with ICE.
• Oil industry drove the fuel-powered vehicle market, posing challenges for the adoption of EVs.
• There were fewer incentives and subsidies to encourage EV adoption.
• Fuel was cheap, and environmental awareness was low.

21st century: The modern era

A new generation of EVs are being created thanks to developments in battery technology, growing environmental awareness, and improvements in electric drivetrain designs. Government measures like tax breaks and stricter emissions regulations have led to widespread adoption of EVs. EV sales have exploded, while advancements in charging infrastructure are making ownership more feasible. 

Electric vehicles: What lies ahead?

The future seems promising for electric vehicles thanks to improvements in battery technology, expanded range, quicker charging periods, and more affordable prices. The way we get from place to place may soon undergo a transformation thanks to autonomous driving capabilities and connected electric transportation networks, which are also being investigated.