History of the electric car [2023 update]

The Surprisingly Long History of Electric Cars

Despite their recent surge in popularity, electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for over a century. Their journey has been marked by innovation, challenges, and unexpected twists.

At the turn of the 20th century, EVs outnumbered gasoline-powered cars on American roads. However, the invention of the assembly line by Henry Ford and the widespread availability of gasoline shifted the balance toward internal combustion engines (ICEs). For decades, EVs faded into obscurity until the environmental and economic crises of the 1970s reignited interest.

Today, EVs are experiencing unprecedented growth. Sales have skyrocketed, and major automakers are committing to phasing out ICE vehicles entirely. The future of transportation looks increasingly electric.

Electric Car History Timeline

The history of EVs can be divided into six key periods: early pioneers (1830-1880), transition to motorized transport (1880-1914), rise of the internal combustion engine (1914-1970), return of electric vehicles (1970-2003), electric revolution (2003-2020), and the tipping point (2021-present).

Early Pioneers (1830-1880)

By the early 1800s, inventors across the globe were experimenting with electric motors and batteries. Robert Anderson is often credited with creating the first electric vehicle in the 1830s. Later, William Morrison developed the first practical EV in the US, a modified horse-drawn carriage capable of carrying up to 12 passengers.

Who Made the First Electric Car?

While Anderson gets credit for the first EV, many innovators contributed to its development. Thomas Davenport, an American inventor, created one of the earliest electric motors. Meanwhile, in Europe, Sibrandus Stratingh and Ányos Jedlik worked on similar projects. These early models lacked practicality but inspired later generations of engineers.

Transition to Motorized Transport (1880-1914)

As the 19th century drew to a close, steam, gasoline, and electric vehicles competed for dominance. At the time, EVs were cleaner, quieter, and easier to operate than their rivals. Despite this, they were limited by short ranges and high costs.

Gasoline-powered cars eventually won out, thanks to Henry Ford's revolutionary assembly line and the increasing availability of cheap fuel. By the 1920s, EVs had largely disappeared from the market.

Rise of the Internal Combustion Engine (1914-1970)

For much of the 20th century, EVs struggled to regain their footing. Gasoline engines dominated the market, fueled by technological advancements and abundant resources. It wasn't until the oil crisis of the 1970s that EVs once again captured attention.

During this period, automakers like General Motors experimented with EV prototypes. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that EVs began to gain traction again, thanks to stricter emissions regulations and rising fuel prices.

Return of Electric Vehicles (1970-2003)

The 1970s marked a turning point for EVs. Concerns over oil scarcity and pollution spurred renewed interest in alternative fuels. Companies like GM and NASA showcased EV concepts, but widespread adoption remained elusive.

The breakthrough came in 1997 with the Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. Its success paved the way for future EVs, including Tesla's Model S, which debuted in 2008.

The Electric Revolution (2003-2020)

Tesla's arrival transformed the EV landscape. The company demonstrated that EVs could match—and exceed—the performance of gasoline cars. Other automakers followed suit, releasing models like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt.

Advancements in battery technology, coupled with falling costs, accelerated EV adoption. By 2020, EVs accounted for a significant share of global vehicle sales.

The Tipping Point (2021-Present)

Today, EVs are no longer a niche product. Governments worldwide are mandating the phase-out of ICE vehicles, while automakers are investing heavily in EV production. Countries like Norway lead the way, with EVs accounting for nearly 80% of new car sales.

According to the International Energy Agency, the global EV fleet is expected to grow to 240 million by 2030, driven by policy incentives, improving infrastructure, and growing consumer demand.

The Future of Electric Cars

With global momentum behind EVs, the future looks bright. Major automakers are transitioning to electric-only production lines, and charging networks are expanding rapidly. As the world moves toward sustainability, EVs will play a central role in reshaping our transportation systems.