Electric cars have a long standing history in the automobile market. Recently, they have sparked an increase in popularity in global markets. Although they have been present in the automotive industry for over 100 years, electric cars have faced many struggles over time. However, in the present time, they finally seem to be reaching a consistent level of growth in this new time of economic environmental incentives and consumers having a greater understanding of the benefits of electric vehicles.
Electric cars have a history dating back to 1834 even before gasoline powered automobiles were invented. The appeal to urban markets using vehicles for short trips and the ease of use made them a viable option. However, the same issues that made electric vehicles struggle even back in the 1800’s are still present in today’s market. The main issues of having an effective driving range and lack of charging capabilities have remained a constant negative affecting the growth in the use of electric cars.
In the United States, the first truly successful electric car did not debut until around 1890. This car was invented by William Morrison and was a six-passenger vehicle that could reach 14 mph. This increased interest in electric cars, especially in urban areas and for use in taxi fleets. By 1900, one third of vehicles on the road were electric. That is vastly different than the Green Car Reports stating that electric cars make up 0.2% of vehicles on the road currently in 2019.
Early on, steam and gasoline engines were direct competition for electric cars. Steam was known for being very reliable, but was not practical taking almost an hour to start up in cold weather. Gasoline cars required strength and manual effort to drive. These issues made electric cars a preferred option, especially in urban markets among women as the physical demands were less difficult. The first electric cars did not have the same issues that came with steam or gasoline engines. They were very quiet and did not have any pollutants.
So, if electric cars were environmentally conscious, affordable, and easy to use, why didn’t they spur in growth and become the most popular vehicle choice we use today?
Things all changed in 1912 when Ford Motor Company created the Model T, a cheap gasoline alternative for a vehicle. The gasoline powered car became the preferred type of automobile despite the clear benefits of the electric car.
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, gasoline shortages began to occur due to the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo. This caused Congress to pass the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1976, which allowed the Energy Department to do research on electric and hybrid vehicles. The idea of electric cars briefly became more of an area of interest as the demand for alternative transportation means with a reduced dependency on gasoline was on the minds of manufacturers and consumers.
Electric vehicle interest then died down yet again for about another 20 years. This changed when the new federal and state regulations were initiated. They consisted of the 1990 Clean Air Amendment and the 1992 Energy Policy Act. During this time, automotive companies took existing models and transformed them into electric versions. These vehicles were the best of both electric and gasoline models allowing them to have the speed and performance of gas powered cars and also further range in driving distance.
The turning point in the future of electric cars occurred in 2003 with the creation by Tesla Motors of the Lotus Elite priced at over $80,000. Since that time, several vehicles have been created by Tesla Motors and many of the major automotive companies, such as Chevrolet.
Electric vehicle sales continue to rise globally. Innovative technology making vehicles travel further and development of charging station infrastructure in the United States continue to be concerns. However, as more incentives are provided to manufacturers and consumers to take control of the future of being environmentally conscious, the global landscape of electric car usage is destined to increase. The burden of taking responsibility to fuel the growth of electric cars to increase demand and reduce cost, become more environmentally responsible, and continue to develop the needed infrastructure rests on the next generation.