The Evolution : The First Electric Vehicle

As we're all aware, electric vehicles (EVs) have become a prevalent mode of transportation in our modern era. Have you ever paused to consider what the very first electric vehicle was like? Imagining its design and understanding how it worked can provide fascinating insights into the evolution of this revolutionary technology.

The concept of electric vehicles dates back further than many might think. The first known electric vehicle was invented in the early 19th century. It was a modest carriage designed by Robert Anderson, a Scottish inventor, in the 1830s. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s and early 1900s that electric vehicles began to gain traction.

The First Ever Electric Car-Invented in 1832

It was designed more like a carriage than a car due to the evolution from the horse and carriage which was their usual mode of transport. The carriage was powered by non-rechargeable power cells so when the batteries ran out, they would need to be replaced. Following this invention, in 1835 Thomas Davenport launched a small vehicle powered by the first American DC electric motor.

Evolution of Rechargeable Batteries - As the popularity of electric-powered transport grew, 1859 brought the invention of rechargeable batteries; this was the only major development since the launch of Thomas Davenport’s small electric car.

Two major improvements then occurred in 1884. First, Thomas Parker built the first electric car production line in London and secondly, William Morrison introduced a simple electric wagon to the USA. These innovations led to electric vehicles becoming very popular, and soon became the preferred method of transport as they didn’t produce emissions, were very quiet, and were easy to drive.

Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of Porsche, developed an electric car called the P1. This model, created in 1898, was one of the first steps that helped create the luxury car brand that is seen today. So, if you see a Porsche Taycan roaming the streets, they carry a lot more history behind them than you may think!

By the start of the 1900s one-third of the vehicles on US roads were powered by electricity.

Thomas Edison, an American inventor and businessman believed this mode of transport was superior therefore, he decided to study better ways to build electric batteries. 

The flair for electric vehicles lasted until 1908 when Henry Ford launched the world’s first affordable motor car, the Model T. This car was an overwhelming success and became widely available. Consequently, the electric car developments stopped due to being significantly more expensive. 

A gap in the market for alternatively fueled cars appeared in the 1960s and 70s since petrol prices went soaring. However, the government’s unwillingness to support the technology, due to oil continuing to be able to generate masses of revenue, meant that the electric car industry never fully regained its popularity.

A British Chemist named M. Stanley Whittingham invented the world’s first rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in 1973. These batteries are still used in today’s mobile phones, laptops, and electric cars. This encouraged electric cars to return, and development re-started. However, then came the fall of petrol prices, affecting the interest on EVs and causing it to spiral yet again. 

1997 brought the unveiling of the hybrid Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. Toyota helped pave the way for other automotive companies to delve into the electric car scene. Tesla unveiled the Roadster in 2008 showing off their front-line technology and powertrain. Nissan followed shortly after and launched the Nissan Leaf, a small 5-door fully electric hatchback. 

The design of these early electric vehicles was quite different from the sleek and efficient models we see today. In terms of how they worked, early electric vehicles utilized lead-acid batteries to power their electric motors. The batteries were heavy and had limited range compared to today's lithium-ion batteries. Despite these limitations, they were favored for their quiet operation and lack of noxious fumes.

Comparison of the first EV and today's EV:

The true turning point for electric vehicles came with innovations in battery technology and the rise of environmental awareness in the late 20th century. This led to the development of more efficient and powerful electric vehicles, culminating in the sophisticated EVs we have today.

So, the next time you plug in your electric vehicle, take a moment to appreciate the journey from Robert Anderson's humble carriage to the cutting-edge EVs of the 21st century.