Electric vehicles are not really “new” and have been in the market for almost 200 years. The innovation just continues, making possible solutions for the shortcomings electric vehicles have. In fact, almost all countries invest money in order to have these improved, exceeding the conventional vehicles’ performance.
The invention of the first electric vehicle is quite uncertain as several inventors are being mentioned and credited. In 1832 to 1839, Robert Anderson, an inventor from Scotland, has created the first crude electric-powered carriage. In 1835, another small-scale electric vehicle was designed by Professor Stratingh which was built by his assistant, Christopher Becker. Also in 1835, Thomas Davenport created another small-scale electric vehicle. He also created the very first American-built direct current electric motor. In 1870, Sir David Salomon created a car with a light electric motor; however, very heavy batteries were used.
The passion to uplift the quality of electric vehicles continued years after. Great Britain and France were the countries that focused on the improvement of the vehicles. Thomas Davenport and Robert Anderson created more advancement in 1842. In fact, they were the ones who used the first non-rechargeable electric cells. Batteries were the main concern because it is the main source of electricity; therefore, experiments on improving batteries were rampant. In 1865 to 1881, Frenchmen Gaston Plante and Camille Faure consecutively made several progressions with the existing battery type. In 1980 to 1910, H. Tudor developed the modern lead-acid battery while Edison and Junger worked on the nickel-iron battery.
United States of America entered the electric car race in the year 1897. Electric vehicles have reached their high sales during this year because several enthusiasts have seen the benefits it could bring. In 1897, a Connecticut-based company called Pope Manufacturing Company has created about 500 electric vehicles over a two-year period. After two years, they have merged with two other small companies and have formed the Electric Vehicle Company that had an asset of $200 Million.
Unfortunately, the inventors have seen better opportunity in creating gasoline-powered vehicles, especially during the discovery of oil in Texas. The research of electric vehicles came to an end. The sales depreciated, resulting to the downfall of several companies. Although it has been dormant for several years, the passion of inventors didn’t diminish. In 1966, the US Congress introduced bills that encouraged the use electric vehicles to lessen pollution.
In 1970, the price of gasoline soared up, therefore, “fueling up” once again the aspiration to create an efficient electric vehicle that could once again surpass the performance of conventional vehicles. Apart from the idea of having a battery-operated vehicle, incorporating gasoline and battery also became an option, thus, the creation of hybrid vehicles. In 1976, the US Congress enacted Public Law 94-413, the main purpose of which was to uplift the quality of motors, batteries, controllers and hybrid-electric components.
In 1991, a Department of Energy program called United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) invested about $90 Million in the nickel hydride battery (NiHM). This type of battery can accept about 3x more charging and discharging cycles compared to lead-acid batteries. It can also work better during cold weathers.
In 1997, Toyota Prius was released on the market, having a total sale of 18,000 during its first year. Several alterations were done to improve its quality and performance, hence, resulting in the first hybrid four-door sedan released in year 2000. Toyota Prius II won 2004 Car of the Year Awards from Motor Trend Magazine and the North American Auto Show.
Apart from Toyota’s hybrid vehicle, several other companies released their own versions, trying to exceed each other’s performance. However, the fact that the performance of electric vehicles is still being improved, some car enthusiasts are still having second thoughts about purchasing one. Sooner or later, with all the good intentions of remarkable scientists and vehicle companies, electric vehicles will surely be able to reach their pedestal, having the adequate strength to outshine all types of vehicles.
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