From 1832 to 2024: the evolution and challenges of electric vehicles

The first electric car in the United States was introduced in 1832, 192 years ago

Despite electric vehicles reaching their peak of popularity in the last decade, their history dates back much further than one might think. The first recorded electric car appeared in the 1800s, facing similar issues to modern electric vehicles despite belonging to a different century.

History of the first electric vehicles

The first electric car in the United States was introduced in 1832, 192 years ago. However, it wasn’t until 1870 that electric cars began to be practical, with the development of the first rudimentary EV by Robert Anderson.

The invention of the electric car has multiple contenders for credit, with Hungarian priest Ányos Jedlik standing out as one of the first. In 1827-1828, Jedlik created a model vehicle powered by a primitive electric motor. Other contributors include Vermont blacksmith Thomas Davenport, who operated a small electric locomotive around 1835, and Dutchmen Sibrandis Stratingh and his assistant Christopher Becker.

Despite these advancements, early electric vehicles were small until Scottish inventor Robert Anderson developed the first full-size electric carriage around 1832, using non-rechargeable primary batteries. In 1889, in Iowa, William Morrison of Des Moines created a successful electric wagon capable of carrying up to nine passengers. In 1902, the first battery-operated horseless carriage appeared.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, electric cars experienced a surge in popularity due to being quiet, easy to drive, and emission-free. By 1912, their popularity was such that they represented a third of all vehicles in circulation in the United States.

Old cars, modern problems

However, their decline began with the emergence of an affordable gas vehicle with electric start, known as the Model T. Additionally, as more gasoline stations were built, refueling gasoline vehicles became easier, while charging stations were not exactly popular.

Since the early days of electric vehicles, the main complaint has been their limited range and long charging times, a concern that persists today. After a brief initial interest in the 19th century, the resurgence of electric cars occurred in the 1970s with the popular Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar, offering a range of 100 km. However, interest waned again due to the same issues of range and charging.

The resurgence of electric vehicles in the 1990s with General Motors’ EV1 sparked a new wave of interest. Since then, the variety of electric car models and charging infrastructure has grown significantly. Despite these advancements, concerns about range and charging times persist among American consumers, reflecting a repetitive pattern in the history of electric vehicles.