From the invention of the first electric car in the 1830s to the present, the technology behind these vehicles has come a long way. The electric car was once seen as a novelty vehicle and not taken seriously, but now, electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular as an environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline-powered cars. Though many advances have been made since its creation over 130 years ago, much of the technology remains the same.
Early History of Electric Cars
Electric cars were first invented in the 1830s when Hungarian engineer Ányos Jedlik created an electric motor and a small-scale electric car. His invention was powered by a battery and was the first to use an electric motor. In the following decades, other inventors improved upon this design, adding more powerful batteries and increasing the range of vehicles. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that mass production of electric vehicles began. The most popular early model was called “The Detroit Electric”, which had a range of up to 160 km on one charge. With advances in battery technology in the 20th century, companies like GM and Ford began producing hybrid models which combined internal combustion engines with electric motors for improved efficiency. In 2008 Tesla Motors launched its first all-electric vehicle: The Roadster. This car featured advanced lithium-ion batteries that could travel up to 350 km on one charge — far surpassing any previous model’s capabilities at the time.
Also Read: Best Electric Vehicle Cars in the Market
Thomas Parker’s Tram and Prototype Electric Cars
Thomas Parker’s tram system was the first of its kind. His electric vehicles were powered by a battery and ran on an overhead cable. They could carry up to three people at a time and had no visible source of power, unlike steam or horse-drawn trams. By 1903, electric trams were operating in several British cities and were soon adopted in many other countries across Europe and North America.
Parker’s prototype electric cars also led to new types of motor vehicles such as the electric carriage, which he developed in 1895. This vehicle featured a rubber-tired wheel mechanism that allowed it to travel at speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, making it one of the earliest examples of an electric car. The success of these prototypes paved the way for more advanced models such as the Detroit Electric car (1907) and General Motors’ EV1 (1996). Today, there are numerous hybrid and all-electric cars available from multiple manufacturers worldwide.
The First Hybrid Car: The Lohner-Porsche Mixte
The Lohner-Porsche Mixte was the first hybrid car in the world, debuting in 1900. Developed by Ferdinand Porsche and Jacob Lohner, it combined an electric motor and a gasoline engine to create a vehicle that could be driven at higher speeds than other electric cars of the time. The car used two electric hub motors on the front wheels, powered by batteries stored underneath the driver’s seat. The car also featured a small one-cylinder gasoline engine located under the floorboards that generated electricity for use when the battery ran low. This allowed for an extended range of up to 50 miles from a single charge and a top speed of 25 mph. It was considered ahead of its time as most other cars were still steam or gas-powered at that point in time. While not commercially successful, it set off a chain reaction that eventually led to today’s full hybrid vehicles being mass-produced by many automotive manufacturers around the world.
Electric Cars in America in 1890
In the late 19th century, electric cars started appearing in America. By 1890, they had become a viable option for people who wanted an alternative to gasoline-powered automobiles. The first electric vehicles were smaller and more expensive than their gasoline counterparts, but they offered several advantages. They were quieter and less polluting than gas-powered cars, as well as easier to operate. Additionally, due to their lack of exhaust emissions or fuel combustion, electric cars were considered safer for pedestrians and other drivers on the road. As a result of these benefits, by the end of 1890, there was already a small but growing demand for electric cars in America.
Despite this emerging popularity, however, most American cities still relied heavily on horse-drawn carriages for transportation needs during this period. Electric vehicle technology also had not yet developed enough at this time to be able to compete with steam or gasoline-powered engines in terms of speed and power output. This meant that many people saw little practical advantage in owning an electric car over its gas counterpart despite its environmental benefits; which further limited their appeal among consumers during this period. Nevertheless, these early adopters of electric vehicles helped pave the way for the wider acceptance of electrified transportation solutions today.
The Decline of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles have been around since the late 1800s when they were first invented. In the early 1900s, electric vehicles were thought to be an efficient and convenient way to travel. They became popular among wealthy individuals, but eventually, their popularity declined due to the invention of gasoline cars in the 1910s. The gasoline car was cheaper, easier to maintain, and had a longer range than electric cars. As a result, many people chose gas-powered cars over electric ones, and by 1930, almost all new vehicle sales were for gasoline-powered cars.
In recent years there has been a resurgence in interest in electric vehicles due to concerns about pollution from traditional gas-powered cars as well as advances in technology that have made them more reliable and cost-effective. Despite this effort, there are still significant hurdles that need to be overcome for electric vehicles to become more widely adopted such as improving recharge times, increasing range capability, and reducing costs associated with battery packs.
The Revival of Electric Vehicles
Since its invention in 1828, electric cars have seen a dramatic rise and fall in popularity. Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding their introduction, the production of electric vehicles dropped significantly between 1915 and 1945. In the 1990s, concerns about pollution led to a resurgence of interest in electric vehicles. Today, many major automakers are investing heavily in research and development for this technology. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular than ever before as they offer environmental benefits such as reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Additionally, they are much quieter than gas-powered cars and provide drivers with improved fuel economy due to their higher efficiency levels. Furthermore, advances in battery technology have enabled longer-range capabilities for newer models on the market which have helped to make them even more attractive to consumers. With more governments offering incentives for purchasing electric cars, this trend is only likely to grow further over time making it an increasingly viable option for motorists worldwide.
The Benefits of EVs Compared to Gas-Powered Cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way since the first electric car was invented in 1834. EVs are now a viable option for many drivers, particularly those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs. Compared to gas-powered cars, EVs offer many advantages that make them more attractive to drivers.
The most significant benefit of owning an EV is that they are much more efficient than gasoline-powered cars. Since there is no combustion engine, EVs don’t require as much energy to power them and have fewer moving parts, which helps to extend their lifespan and reduce maintenance costs. Additionally, they produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them environmentally friendly options for transportation.
In addition to being more efficient and eco-friendly than traditional cars, EVs also cost less to operate over time due to lower fuel prices and tax incentives offered by some governments for purchasing electric vehicles. Moreover, since most models can be charged at home or at public charging stations throughout the country, drivers no longer need to worry about finding a gas station when traveling long distances. This makes it even easier for people who live in rural areas with limited access to refueling stations or those who frequently hit the road on long journeys across state lines.
Electric Cars in Lunar History
Electric cars have a long history on the moon, starting with the invention and evolution of the first electric car. In 1973, Soviet scientists created the Luna-25, an unmanned lunar rover powered by electric motors. This was followed by the Lunokhod 1 in 1970, which was also driven by electric motors and solar panels to power its equipment. The two rovers were used to explore regions of the moon that had never been seen before. Since then, many other countries have sent various types of electric vehicles to explore different parts of the moon’s surface. In 2020, China successfully launched its Chang’e 5 mission to collect lunar samples and land them back on Earth for further research. This marks not only a major milestone in lunar exploration but also advances in electric vehicle technology as it utilizes advanced batteries and solar energy to power its activities while exploring the Moon’s surface. Electric cars continue to be important tools for both space exploration and research on our own planet.
20th Century Electric Cars
Electric cars began to emerge in the late 19th century, with one of the first practical electric cars being invented in 1884. By the early 20th century, electric cars were available for purchase and saw modest success in cities due to their low-speed capabilities and lack of noise. During this period, most electric cars were powered by lead-acid batteries and had limited range. This meant they could only be used within cities or other areas with a reliable power source. In addition, these vehicles often had difficulty traversing hills or inclines due to their weight.
As technology improved throughout the 20th century, so did the performance of electric vehicles. By the mid-20th century, lead-acid batteries gave way to nickel-metal hydride batteries which allowed for increased range and faster speeds. This allowed them to compete more effectively with gas-powered vehicles as well as other types of transport such as bicycles and buses. Additionally, advances in battery technology resulted in lighter-weight vehicles that were better able to climb hills or inclines than their predecessors.
The 21st century has seen a renewed interest in electric cars from both consumers and manufacturers alike as governments around the world look to reduce emissions by encouraging non-fossil fuel-based transportation options such as EVs (electric vehicles).
Why did the EV1 fail?
The EV1 was the first electric car to be produced and marketed by a major automobile manufacturer. It was an important moment in automotive history, as it marked the beginning of the modern age of electric vehicles. The EV1 was developed by General Motors and featured a lead-acid battery system, a top speed of around 80 miles per hour, and a driving range of up to 120 miles. Unfortunately, EV1 failed due to several factors. First, gasoline-powered cars were more popular at the time, so there was limited consumer interest in electric cars like the EV1. Additionally, electric vehicles were often expensive compared to gas cars and had limited driving ranges, making them impractical for long trips. Finally, many people simply knew nothing about the car or car business and had no understanding of how an electric car worked or why they should buy one. As a result, only around 1,100 EV1s were sold during its initial production run before General Motors ceased production in 2003. However, despite its failure, it paved the way for other electric vehicles companies such as Tesla Motors and Nissan Leaf to enter the market and make electric cars more accessible to consumers today.
Electrovair II
The Electrovair II was a follow-up to the original Electrovair. It was an electric car built by General Motors and introduced in 1966. Unlike its predecessor, the Electrovair II had two electric motors instead of one, which provided it with more power. Additionally, it featured a much longer range than the first car; its battery pack could last for up to 70 miles before needing to be recharged. The vehicle also utilized four 12-volt lead acid batteries that were stored under the floor boards, giving it an even greater range on a single charge compared to other electric cars at the time. The Electrovair II was well-received by consumers due to its improved performance over earlier models and modern design features such as air conditioning and power windows. Unfortunately, production only lasted until 1971 due to rising gas prices making gasoline-powered cars more attractive again. Despite its short production run, the Electrovair II is still seen as an important milestone in automotive history and helped pave the way for future generations of electric cars.
The First Electric Sports Car
Tesla Motors, an American automotive and energy company, is credited with introducing the first modern-day electric sports car. The Tesla Roadster was released in 2008 and was the first highway-capable all-electric vehicle to go into production. This luxury two-seater car had a range of 245 miles on a single charge, with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 3.7 seconds – making it one of the fastest electric cars ever manufactured. It also had advanced features such as regenerative braking and climate control AC/DC system that allowed for an efficient charging process from any standard outlet. Later versions of the Tesla Roadster were sold with lithium-ion batteries which increased its efficiency even further.
The success of this model made way for other companies to follow suit and enter the electric sports car market. In 2011, Chevrolet released their Volt Electric Car which has been praised for its performance, fuel economy, and range capabilities of up to 380 miles on a single charge. Other notable models include Nissan’s Leaf – an affordable four-door hatchback – as well as BMW’s i8 hybrid coupe which boasts both gasoline engine and powertrain technology that deliver superior levels of driving efficiency without compromising on performance or style.
Today, there are many different makes and models available when it comes to electric sports cars – each offering something unique in terms of design, performance capabilities, price points, etc.
Tesla Makes Its Mark in Electric Car History
Tesla has made its mark in electric car history by becoming one of the most successful companies that manufacture electric vehicles. Tesla was founded in 2003 and since then, they have been producing high-performance electric cars that are also efficient and economical compared to their traditional combustion engine counterparts. The company’s first vehicle, the Roadster, debuted in 2008 and offered a range of 245 miles on a single charge. The Roadster was later succeeded by the Model S sedan, which quickly gained popularity for its luxurious interior design and performance capabilities.
Since then, Tesla has released additional models including the Model 3 sedan and Model X SUV. These vehicles have further pushed Tesla into the forefront of electric car production as they offer higher range efficiency than other competitors on the market while still providing outstanding acceleration abilities. In addition to this, these vehicles come with several cutting-edge features such as self-driving capability and Autopilot software to add more convenience to the driving experience while keeping drivers safe at all times.
Overall, Tesla is continuing to make strong progress in revolutionizing how people drive with their innovative technologies within their vehicles. With continued advancements in battery capacities, driving range efficiency, and overall performance capabilities; there’s no doubt that Tesla will continue making a huge impact on the automobile industry moving forward.
Electric Cars Take a Turn for the Better
Electric vehicles have come a long way since the first electric car was invented in 1828. By 1899, the electric car had become the most popular type of car in America. Improvements to battery technology made these cars more reliable and efficient. With advances in lithium-ion batteries, electric cars are now able to travel long distances on a single charge. Electric cars now offer performance comparable to gasoline-powered cars, but with better overall efficiency and lower emissions – making them an attractive option for eco-conscious customers. Furthermore, modern manufacturers are incorporating features such as regenerative braking systems that convert kinetic energy from braking into power for the vehicle’s battery. This further increases the range of electric vehicles while requiring less maintenance than traditional gasoline engines. With these advancements, electric cars are becoming more and more popular among drivers who want an economical and environmentally friendly way to get around town or commute on a daily basis.
The 2000s: Modern highway-capable electric cars
The modern electric car has advanced in range, performance, and size since the first battery-powered vehicles appeared in the late 19th century. In the 2000s, major automotive manufacturers began to take electric cars more seriously. Major investments were made in research and production of highway-capable electric cars that could compete with gasoline-powered counterparts. Businesses such as Tesla Motors emerged as well as a variety of hybrid models from traditional automakers like GM, BMW, Toyota, and Honda.
Electric cars achieved greater range due to advances in battery technology such as lithium-ion battery cells which offer higher energy density than traditional lead acid batteries. This allowed for greater capacity resulting in longer distances between charging cycles. The introduction of regenerative braking further brought down power consumption levels while also helping extend the range of these cars on a single charge.
In addition to improved battery technology, new electric car designs featured components specifically designed for these types of vehicles rather than simply modifications of existing gasoline-powered models. Such components included an electric motor optimized for efficiency, controllers that regulated engine speed and torque output based on varying conditions, and onboard computers with monitoring capabilities for drivers to keep track of their charging schedules or remaining range at any given time.
The Future of Electric Cars
The invention of the first electric car dates back to 1834 when Thomas Davenport created a small model powered by a primitive electric motor. The early 1900s saw the rise of large-scale production of electric cars, but they disappeared after World War I due to the availability of cheaper and more efficient gasoline-powered vehicles. In recent years, however, electric cars have made a comeback, thanks in part to advances in battery technology and an increase in environmental awareness.
Today’s modern electric cars are far more efficient than their predecessors; they are capable of traveling farther on a single charge with improved performance and handling. As battery capacities continue to improve and costs go down, it’s likely that we’ll see even further increases in efficiency as well as further reductions in emissions from these types of vehicles. Additionally, charging infrastructure is becoming increasingly widespread which could make owning an EV even easier for people living outside major cities.
In the future, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see rapid advancements in both battery technology and charging infrastructure for EVs. This will open up new possibilities for improved performance, longer ranges, faster charging times, and other features that could eventually make EVs competitive with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles on all fronts.
Electric Car Technology Advancements
Electric cars have come a long way since their invention in the late 1800s. While early electric cars had limited range and top speeds, newer technology has drastically improved both. Advances in lithium-ion battery technology have enabled electric cars to travel further on a single charge, with some models offering a range of up to 500 km per charge. Additionally, improvements in motor design have increased the power and torque output of the motors, resulting in faster acceleration and higher top speeds than ever before. As battery technology continues to improve over time, future generations of electric vehicles will likely see even more performance gains.
Another area where electric car technology has advanced significantly is automation. High-end electric vehicles are now equipped with sophisticated driver assistance systems that can detect objects around them and adjust speed accordingly for safer driving experiences. Autopilot features like lane centering and adaptive cruise control help keep drivers safe by providing hands-free control over certain aspects of the driving experience. Additionally, new technologies such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication are being developed that will allow self-driving cars to communicate with each other and make decisions based on real-time data from the surrounding environment.
What is the life expectancy of an electric car?
The life expectancy of an electric car has a long and varied history. The first electric car was invented in 1828 but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that Thomas Edison showed an experimental electric car. Tesla Motors, founded in 2003, became the first modern electric vehicle company and released the Tesla Roadster, the world’s first fully electric sports car. The development of electric vehicles continued with the invention of lead-acid batteries and General Electric’s fleet of electric taxis in 1912. Since then, interest in electric cars has grown steadily with sales of pure electric passenger cars reaching one million in 2018. This includes cars like Nissan’s LEAF and General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt hybrid-electric, which was the best-selling car in its class for five consecutive years. Nowadays, there is an ever-increasing selection of fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars on the market, including small-scale EVs designed for commuting within cities. With advances in lithium-ion battery technology increasing driving range and top speed, as well as continuous improvements to the design of new cars like Tesla’s Model 3, it looks like we can expect a bright future for the electric vehicle industry!
How Electric Cars Affect Our Environment
Electric cars are an environmentally friendly alternative to gas-powered vehicles. The invention of the first electric car in 1832 marked a significant milestone in automotive history as well as environmental progress. Since then, electric cars have evolved and become more efficient while reducing their impact on the environment.
Electric cars do not rely on fossil fuels like traditional vehicles do, which drastically reduces emissions. The use of electric motors also means that there is no need for oil changes or other maintenance associated with traditional combustion engines. That makes them cheaper to maintain and run over time when compared to gasoline-powered cars. Furthermore, electric vehicles can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, making them even more eco-friendly than conventional cars that rely on polluting fuels.
Finally, electric cars also reduce noise pollution since they produce less sound than gasoline-powered engines at low speeds and almost no sound at all when idle. This helps improve air quality by cutting down on certain pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide emitted from idling vehicle engines while simultaneously creating a quieter environment for people living near busy roads or highways.
The Impact of Electric Cars on the Automotive Industry
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular and have created a major shift in the automotive industry. The invention of electric cars dates back to 1834 when Thomas Davenport, an American blacksmith, constructed the first electric motor car powered by non-rechargeable batteries. This invention paved the way for further advancements throughout history that eventually led to the modern-day electric cars seen today.
The presence of electric vehicles has had a great impact on the automotive industry, spurring competition and innovation among manufacturers. Automakers now have to find ways to make their vehicles more efficient and cost-effective while still providing reliable and high-quality performance which ultimately can be attributed to the emergence of electric cars. Companies such as Tesla are leading this charge by creating long-range electric vehicles that can travel up to 300 miles on a single charge making them highly attractive options for consumers who want an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing performance or convenience.
Furthermore, electric cars have also had an impact on infrastructure with many governments investing in charging stations across cities so drivers can easily recharge their vehicle’s battery pack when needed. These investments from governments around the world help accelerate the adoption of electric cars by providing easy access to charging points which increases overall convenience for drivers looking for eco-friendly alternatives compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
Final Words
In conclusion, the invention of the first electric car was a major milestone in automotive history. Thanks to this innovative development, the industry has been able to make significant strides toward sustainable transportation solutions. Today’s electric cars are much more advanced than their predecessors, with increased energy efficiency and range, as well as improved performance capabilities. As technology continues to evolve and improve, manufacturers will continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of emissions-free motoring. Furthermore, governments around the world are increasingly taking steps to encourage citizens to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones through tax incentives and other measures. The future for electric cars looks bright indeed.
How many EV1 are left?
The exact number of EV1s left is unknown, but estimates range from around 10 to as many as 40. This is due to the fact that many of the cars were destroyed by General Motors after they discontinued production and ended the lease program in 2002.
At the time, GM leased 1,117 EV1s to customers in California and Arizona. Of those, 687 were returned when the lease program ended. It is believed that some of those cars were sold for parts or used for research purposes, while others may have been kept by GM or donated to museums.
Today, a few EV1s remain in private collections and can be seen at car shows or special events. There are also a handful of functioning models on display at museums around the country, including the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., and the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Why did electric cars disappear?
Electric cars disappeared in the early 20th century due to a variety of factors. The most significant was the rise of the internal combustion engine, which had several advantages over electric cars. Internal combustion engines were more powerful and efficient than electric motors, and they could be refueled quickly and easily with gasoline. Additionally, electric cars were expensive to build and maintain due to their reliance on expensive batteries. Finally, the lack of an established infrastructure for recharging electric vehicles made them impractical for many consumers. As a result, electric cars largely disappeared from the market until their resurgence in recent years.
Why did GM only lease the EV1?
General Motors (GM) only leased the EV1 electric car from 1996 to 1999 due to a number of factors. Firstly, GM was unsure about how successful the EV1 would be in the market and leasing allowed them to test out the car without committing to selling it. Additionally, electric cars were still a relatively new technology and there was a lack of infrastructure for charging and servicing electric vehicles. Leasing allowed GM to ensure that customers had access to charging infrastructure and could get their vehicles serviced if needed. Finally, GM wanted to keep their production costs low so they opted for a leasing model rather than selling the cars outright.
What was the problem with the first electric cars?
The first electric cars had a number of issues that limited their practicality. Firstly, the range of these vehicles was quite limited due to the low capacity of the batteries available at the time. This meant that drivers could only travel a few miles before needing to recharge, making them impractical for long trips.
Secondly, electric cars were expensive compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This was due to the cost of producing and maintaining the batteries, as well as the fact that there were fewer electric vehicles on the market which drove up prices.
Finally, electric cars tended to have poor performance compared to their gasoline counterparts. This was due to their limited power output and low torque which made them slower and less responsive than gasoline-powered vehicles.
What is the biggest drawback of an electric car?
The biggest drawback of an electric car is the limited range and long charging times. Electric cars typically have a shorter range than gasoline-powered vehicles, meaning they need to be charged more often. This can be especially problematic for those who travel long distances, as it can take several hours to charge the car's battery. Additionally, many areas do not have enough charging stations to support electric cars, making them difficult to use in certain places.
Another major drawback of electric cars is their higher cost compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. Although electric cars are becoming more affordable, they still tend to cost more upfront than gasoline-powered vehicles. Additionally, some states offer incentives for buying an electric car, but these incentives vary from state to state and may not always be available.
Finally, electric cars require more maintenance than traditional gas-powered vehicles due to the complexity of their components.
Who killed EV1?
The exact person responsible for killing EV1 is unknown. However, it is widely believed that the car was killed off by General Motors (GM). In the late 1990s, GM had invested heavily in electric vehicles, but they failed to gain enough traction with consumers. This led GM to discontinue the EV1 in 2003, effectively killing the car and ending its production.
The move was met with much criticism from environmentalists and EV enthusiasts alike. They argued that GM had failed to promote the vehicle properly or make it available to a wider audience. Despite their protests, the EV1 was officially discontinued and all remaining cars were repossessed and destroyed by GM.
In hindsight, many have argued that GM’s decision to kill off the EV1 was misguided and shortsighted. The car had potential to revolutionize transportation if given more time and resources, but instead it was prematurely scrapped due to lack of consumer interest.
What is the lifespan of an EV battery?
The lifespan of an EV battery depends on several factors, including the type of battery used, the driving habits of the owner, and how well the battery is maintained. Generally speaking, modern lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles have a lifespan of around 8 to 10 years. However, some owners may find they need to replace their batteries sooner due to frequent use or not properly maintaining their battery.
The best way to maximize the lifespan of an EV battery is to ensure that it is properly maintained. This includes regularly charging and discharging the battery as well as avoiding extreme temperatures. Additionally, using regenerative braking can help extend the life of your EV battery by reducing strain on it from constant acceleration and deceleration.
Ultimately, with proper maintenance and care, an EV battery can last for many years and provide reliable service for its owner.
Why Americans don't like electric cars?
Americans have traditionally been slow to adopt electric cars, and there are a few reasons why.
First, electric cars have historically been more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. This is due to the high cost of batteries and other components needed for electric vehicles. Additionally, many Americans are hesitant to invest in something they don't understand or know much about. Electric cars are relatively new technology and require a certain level of expertise that many people don't possess.
Second, electric cars often lack the power and performance of traditional gas-powered vehicles. This can be a major deterrent for people who want a car that can go fast or handle difficult terrain. Additionally, many electric cars have shorter ranges than gas-powered vehicles, meaning drivers must plan ahead for longer trips or risk running out of battery power before reaching their destination.
Finally, some Americans may simply prefer the convenience and familiarity of gas-powered vehicles over newer electric models.
What is the life expectancy of an electric car?
The life expectancy of an electric car has a long and varied history. The first electric car was invented in 1828 but it wasn't until the early 1900s that Thomas Edison showed an experimental electric car. Tesla Motors, founded in 2003, became the first modern electric vehicle company and released the Tesla Roadster, the world’s first fully electric sports car. The development of electric vehicles continued with the invention of lead-acid batteries and General Electric’s fleet of electric taxis in 1912. Since then, interest in electric cars has grown steadily with sales of pure electric passenger cars reaching one million in 2018. This includes cars like Nissan’s LEAF and General Motors' Chevrolet Volt hybrid-electric, which was the best-selling car in its class for five consecutive years. Nowadays, there is an ever-increasing selection of fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars on the market, including small-scale EVs designed for commuting within cities. With advances in lithium-ion battery technology increasing driving range and top speed, as well as continuous improvements to the design of new cars like Tesla's Model 3, it looks like we can expect a bright future for the electric vehicle industry!
