The History of the Electric Car: From 19th-Century Experiments to Today’s Revolution
- nickwilson1990
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
Electric vehicles (EVs) might feel like a modern invention, especially with names like Tesla dominating headlines, but they’ve been around for well over a century. In fact, EVs predate internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The story of the electric car is one of innovation, abandonment, and resurgence—a cycle of technological progress, economic shifts, and cultural forces shaping how we move. Here's a detailed look at how electric cars evolved from quirky novelties to serious contenders for the future of transportation.
1800s: The Birth of the Electric Car
The roots of the electric car trace back to the early 19th century, when inventors were still trying to figure out how to power vehicles without horses.
Early Batteries and Motors
In 1800, Alessandro Volta invented the first true battery—the “Voltaic Pile.”
By the 1830s, inventors in the Netherlands, Hungary, and the U.S. were working on small-scale electric vehicles.
Scottish inventor Robert Anderson built a crude electric carriage around 1832, though it had no rechargeable battery.
Breakthroughs in the Late 1800s
In 1879, Thomas Edison’s work on electrical generation and storage helped push the field forward.
In 1881, French engineer Gustave Trouvé showed off a working three-wheeled electric car at an international exhibition in Paris.
By 1889–1891, American inventors like William Morrison built practical electric vehicles, spurring interest in commercial development.
Early 1900s: The First EV Boom
By the turn of the century, electric cars were popular in the U.S. and Europe, especially in urban areas.
Why Electric Cars Were Popular
No hand cranking: Gasoline cars had to be hand-cranked to start, which was dangerous and difficult.
No noise or fumes: Electric cars were cleaner and quieter.
Ease of use: EVs didn’t require gear shifting or as much maintenance.
In 1900, electric cars made up about 28% of all vehicles in the U.S., with steam and gasoline splitting the rest.
Key Players
Baker Electric: Known for reliability and used by high-society women, including Clara Ford.
Detroit Electric: Produced cars that could go up to 80 miles per charge. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford both owned one.
1910s–1920s: The Fall of the Electric Car
Despite early promise, electric cars faded by the 1920s. Why?
The Rise of the Gasoline Car
Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908. It was mass-produced and cheap—by 1912, it cost $650 vs. $1,750 for a typical electric car.
Charles Kettering invented the electric starter in 1912, eliminating the need for hand cranks and removing a major disadvantage of gas cars.
Gasoline was now widely available thanks to better infrastructure and the booming oil industry.
By 1930, electric cars were nearly extinct from the mainstream auto market.
1930s–1970s: Dormancy and Niche Uses
For decades, EVs were pushed to the margins.
Industrial Use Only
Some electric trucks and delivery vehicles were still used in warehouses and short-distance applications.
In World War II, fuel rationing briefly brought renewed interest, but gasoline dominance held firm.
Rising Concerns
By the 1960s and 70s, pollution and oil dependence became national issues, especially after the 1973 oil crisis.
Car companies and governments began experimenting with alternatives again.
1980s–1990s: Slow Comeback and Missed Opportunities
The EV never truly disappeared. It just went underground, resurfacing occasionally with small bursts of momentum.
Key Experiments
GM’s Electrovair (1966) and Electrovan (1967) were testbeds that never reached consumers.
In 1996, GM released the EV1, a sleek two-seater with decent range and acceleration. Customers loved it—but GM canceled the program by 2002 and repossessed most vehicles, sparking controversy and conspiracy theories (see the 2006 documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?).
Meanwhile in Japan
Toyota released the Prius hybrid in 1997, combining electric and gas power. While not a pure EV, it introduced electric drivetrains to the mainstream.
2000s: Tesla and the Modern EV Era
The modern EV revolution started when a scrappy startup entered the game.
Enter Tesla
Founded in 2003, Tesla released the Roadster in 2008, a high-performance electric sports car based on a Lotus body.
It had over 200 miles of range, smashing the myth that EVs had to be slow and short-ranged.
The Roadster’s success laid the foundation for the Model S (2012), Model X, Model 3, and Model Y.
Big Auto Gets Involved
Nissan launched the Leaf in 2010, an affordable EV for everyday use.
Chevrolet released the Volt (a plug-in hybrid) and later the Bolt (a fully electric model).
BMW, Ford, VW, Hyundai, and others soon followed with EV offerings.
2010s–2020s: The EV Goes Mainstream
By the late 2010s, EVs were no longer experimental. They were viable alternatives for millions of drivers.
Major Shifts
Battery technology improved drastically—cheaper, lighter, and with better range.
Charging networks expanded rapidly (e.g., Tesla’s Supercharger network, Electrify America).
Government incentives pushed adoption, including tax credits and emissions targets.
Environmental awareness and climate change urgency boosted demand.
By 2021, EV sales worldwide had passed 6.6 million, up from just 120,000 in 2012. China led the charge, with Europe and the U.S. catching up fast.
2020s and Beyond: The EV Future
The transition is now in motion, but not without challenges.
Key Trends
Legacy automakers are going all-in: GM plans to sell only EVs by 2035; Volvo by 2030; Ford has launched the F-150 Lightning.
Range and performance continue to rise, with EVs now surpassing 400 miles on a charge.
Prices are dropping, though supply chain issues and raw material costs still affect affordability.
Solid-state batteries, wireless charging, and vehicle-to-grid technology are on the horizon.
Challenges
Charging infrastructure still needs to grow, especially in rural areas.
EVs require rare minerals like lithium and cobalt, raising ethical and environmental concerns.
Policy, grid capacity, and consumer trust remain critical issues.
Final Thoughts
The electric car’s history is anything but linear. It began strong, faded into obscurity, and roared back in dramatic fashion. Today, EVs are more than just a trend—they’re a pivotal part of the future of transportation. While internal combustion won’t vanish overnight, the momentum is clear: the electric car is here to stay, and this time, it’s not going anywhere.
