The surprisingly long history of electric cars

While electric vehicles (EVs) have only recently begun to challenge the internal combustion engine (ICE), their history stretches back over a century. This journey has been full of innovation, setbacks, and unexpected turns that shaped the evolution of transportation.

At the turn of the 20th century, there were actually more electric vehicles on the road than gasoline-powered ones. However, this changed when Ford's assembly line made gasoline cars more affordable and widespread. Despite this, the concept of electric mobility never truly disappeared—it just took a long time to re-emerge.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and electric cars are once again gaining traction. Thanks to advancements in battery technology, government incentives, and growing environmental awareness, EVs are no longer a niche product—they're becoming the norm. This article explores the rich history of electric vehicles, their current state, and what the future may hold.

Electric car history timeline

The history of electric cars can be broken into six distinct periods: the early pioneers of electric mobility (1830–1880), the transition to motorized transport (1880–1914), the rise of the internal combustion engine (1914–1970), the return of electric vehicles (1970–2003), the electric revolution (2003–2020), and the tipping point (2021 and beyond).

First electric cars (1830–1880)

During the 1800s, inventors across Europe and the U.S. began experimenting with electric vehicles. These early models were mostly small-scale prototypes, but they laid the groundwork for future developments. One of the earliest known electric vehicles was built by Robert Anderson in the 1830s, using a disposable battery to power the wheels.

Other inventors, such as Ányos Jedlik in Hungary and Sibrandus Stratingh in the Netherlands, also contributed to the early development of electric vehicles. By the 1860s, the invention of the rechargeable lead-acid battery by Gaston Planté marked a major breakthrough in electric mobility.

In the late 1880s, William Morrison of the U.S. created the first "practical" electric vehicle—a converted horse-drawn carriage that could carry up to 12 passengers and reach speeds of 20 mph. This model was considered one of the most advanced electric vehicles of its time.

The transition to motorized transport (1880–1914)

As the 20th century began, electric vehicles started to compete with steam and gasoline-powered cars. At the time, about 40% of vehicles in the U.S. were powered by steam, 38% by electricity, and only 22% by gasoline. Electric cars had several advantages—no emissions, no need for gears, and quick startup times.

However, the popularity of electric cars began to decline as gasoline became more accessible and affordable. Innovations in internal combustion engines and the rise of mass production, especially by Ford, helped solidify gasoline’s dominance in the market.

The rise of the internal combustion engine (1914–1970)

With the mass production of gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars gradually faded from the mainstream. The discovery of oil in Texas made gasoline cheap and widely available, while electricity remained limited to urban areas. As a result, electric vehicles saw little progress during this period.

By the mid-1930s, electric cars had almost disappeared from the market. The dominance of internal combustion engines continued until the 1970s, when rising oil prices and environmental concerns reignited interest in alternative fuels.

The return of electric vehicles (1970–2003)

The 1970s brought renewed attention to electric vehicles due to the oil crisis and growing environmental awareness. Automakers like General Motors experimented with electric prototypes, and NASA even used an electric lunar rover for space missions.

Despite these efforts, electric vehicles still faced challenges such as limited range and high costs. However, the release of the Toyota Prius in 1997 marked a turning point. As a mass-produced hybrid, it helped pave the way for the next wave of electric vehicles.

Going electric (2003–2020)

In 2003, two entrepreneurs, Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, founded Tesla Motors, which would later become a leader in the electric vehicle industry. Their vision led to the launch of the Tesla Roadster in 2008, a luxury electric sports car that demonstrated the potential of electric vehicles.

Nissan followed with the launch of the all-electric Nissan Leaf in 2010, which became one of the best-selling EVs of its time. Advances in battery technology and declining costs helped make electric vehicles more attractive to consumers.

The tipping point of EV growth (2021 and beyond)

From 2021 onward, electric vehicles have seen exponential growth. By 2022, there were over 26 million electric cars on the road worldwide, and sales hit a record 10.6 million. In some countries, like Norway, electric vehicles now make up nearly 80% of new car sales.

This trend is expected to continue, with global automakers pledging to phase out internal combustion engines in the coming decades. According to the International Energy Agency, the number of electric vehicles is projected to reach 240 million by 2030.

The future of electric cars

As we look ahead, the future of electric mobility appears very bright. Governments, businesses, and consumers are all playing a role in accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation. With ongoing improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and policy support, electric vehicles are set to become the dominant form of personal and commercial transportation in the near future.

Whether you're an early adopter or just starting to consider an electric car, the time is now to embrace the future of mobility. With more options, better performance, and a cleaner environment, the shift to electric vehicles is not just inevitable—it's already underway.