The History of the Electric Car

The History of the Electric Car

May 27, 2019

A few decades ago, the thought of having a fully electric car on the road felt like a futuristic feat reserved for fantasy novels and sci fi films. However, today’s technology offers incredible electric vehicles from small foldable electric bikes to fully loaded self-driving Tesla Roadsters. What’s even more surprising than the future arriving early, is that electric vehicles aren’t as new as most people think. The truth is that electric vehicles were being developed in the early stages of the industrial revolution, as far back as 1828, just a few years after the death of Napoleon. At Mr. Electric of Dallas, we enjoy helping our local home and business owners find innovative ways to improve the functionality and convenience of their electrical systems. We offer a wide range of services that help our local clients save money with ecofriendly technology, including electric vehicle charging station installation and more. Have you been thinking about getting an electric car, but you’ve often wondered what kind of advancements were necessary to produce a practical modern vehicle? Then read more to find out about the interesting history of the electric car, and why you might want to be a part of history by owning one. 

Early Electric Vehicles 

In 1828, the first electric motor was created by Anyos Jedlik. A few years later, a Vermont blacksmith turned inventor named Thomas Davenport successfully built a small electric model that could run on a track and professors Sibrandus Stratingh and Christopher Becker made a tiny electric car that were powered by primary cells. The early 19th century even brought about the possibility of electric trains, as demonstrated by the Scottish chemist Robert Davidson who powered a locomotive using galvanic cell batteries in 1837. Sadly, this marvel was destroyed by railway workers, who were afraid they would lose their jobs if the project became successful. Other electric vehicle experiments would meet similar fates, as the oil industry and manufacturing conglomerates curtailed investments in new electric technologies. The gas-powered vehicle quickly arrived on the scene, and their popularity soon overshadowed the potential for electric models to find mass market appeal. 

The Evolution of Modern Day Electric Cars

As the world began to rapidly advance toward the 21st century, manufacturers began to feel societal pressure by environmental activists and buyers who wanted alternative transportation available. The growing demand for a practical, affordable electric vehicle combined with governmental policies aimed at reducing air pollution finally gave the big car companies motivation to begin production on prototypes for modern electric cars. Early models from the 1990s functioned, but many of them were slow, had to be recharged frequently and weren’t adequate for use on public roads. By the early 2000’s however, automakers like Tesla proved that an electric car could be fast, beautiful and legally road worthy. Today, buyers have a wide range of choices available in the marketplace, with many more arriving in the near future.

Need to Prep Your Home to Charge an Electric Car? Call Mr. Electric of Dallas

Are you considering making the switch to an electric car? Get your home ready for the change by investing in an electric vehicle charging station installation. An EV charging station will help you safely and efficiently charge your new car without worrying about power surges or battery damaged. Best of all, you’ll always have a fully charged vehicle that’s ready for work commutes and weekend adventures. Call trusted local electricians Mr. Electric of Dallas today to learn more about the services available in your North Texas neighborhood.