From Past to Present: The Evolution of Electric Cars
In the early 1900s, electric vehicles (EVs) enjoyed a period of remarkable popularity due to their simplicity and suitability for city driving. Electric cars, initially invented by European and American entrepreneurs in the early 1800s, were quiet, easy to operate, and popular among women and wealthier buyers [2][4].
However, EVs were ultimately hindered by battery capacity limits that restricted their driving range and practicality compared to gasoline vehicles. By the 1920s, electric cars mostly vanished from the mainstream market, surviving only in limited production [2].
In contrast, gasoline cars became more dominant due to mass production innovations that made them affordable and more practical for longer-distance driving. The advent of the electric starter and cheaper crude oil further cemented the dominance of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and by 1935, EVs were largely phased out in the US market [2].
Fast forward to the late 1990s, the California Air Resources Board mandated the zero-emissions vehicle legislation, forcing automakers to sell a set number of electric vehicles in order to operate in the state. This legislation led to the production of various electric vehicles, including the GM EV1, Honda EV Plus, Ford Th!nk, Tesla-based Toyota RAV4 EV, Ford Ranger EV, and Nissan Altra EV [3].
The development of lithium-ion batteries in the late 1990s revolutionized what could be achieved with electric vehicles, providing a significant boost to their range and practicality. Car charging infrastructure was growing, but home and work charging was still preferred for convenience due to limited range [1].
The Model 3 sedan, introduced in 2017, combined a sleek and family-sized design with a luxurious interior, long-range electric driving, and a sub-$100,000 price tag, and became a catalyst for today's relative boom in EV sales [3]. Tesla started selling its first bespoke EV, the Model S large liftback, in 2012, complete with a large touchscreen, over-the-air software updates, and a fledgling Supercharging network [3].
Recent context (2020s) shows renewed interest in EVs due to advances in battery tech and environmental policies, but adoption has faced challenges from cost, supply chain issues, and policy shifts [1][5]. This modern trend contrasts with the early 1900s, when limited technology and infrastructure were the main barriers.
Today, the Model 3 and Model Y twins dominate electric car sales globally, but emerging competition is fierce from rapidly growing Chinese brands such as BYD, Great Wall Motors, SAIC Motor, and Geely, especially in the entry-level 'affordable' EV arena. In response to strict Euro 7 emissions mandates in 2025 and the ban of selling new internal combustion models from 2035 overseas, car companies are investing billions of dollars in full zero-emission vehicles [5].
Germany successfully lobbied the European Union to exempt combustion engines run on synthetic fuels for the 2035 ban, despite regulators not mandating any specific technology to achieve emissions reduction targets [5]. This exemption highlights the ongoing debate and shifting landscape in the EV industry, as companies and governments navigate the transition towards a more sustainable future.
References:
- The Guardian
- History of Electric Cars
- Tesla's Role in the Electric Vehicle Revolution
- The New York Times
- Bloomberg
New cars are driving a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in the 2020s, with technology advancements in batteries and rising environmental awareness. For instance, the Model 3 and Model Y twins by Tesla are dominating global electric car sales today.
On the other hand, the initial emergence of EVs in the late 1800s was hindered by limited technology and infrastructure, resulting in their decline by the 1920s. However, demands for zero-emission vehicles resurged in the late 1990s due to legislation like California's zero-emissions vehicle legislation.
Despite the challenges of cost, supply chain issues, and policy shifts, the interest in electric vehicles globally indicates a promising future for this lifestyle choice, backed by innovations in battery tech and supportive environmental policies.
