To some, the idea of an electric car may be new technology, but did you know that they have been around since the 1800s?

Electric Vehicles History: From the 1800s to Today | Bankrate.com

 

Thanks `Mike, interesting information 4>Sure!
It was b-4 my time >
I'm waiting for a SuperCharged Steam Engine that runs on water
Electric vehicles: From the 1800s to today

By Chris Kahn • Bankrate.com


Don't let the minimalist design or ultralow emissions fool you. Electric vehicles may look every bit like cars of the future, but they've been around for years.
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1800s

Earliest models1830s

The birthplace of the electric vehicle is split between the U.K. and U.S. Robert Anderson of Scotland built an electric-powered carriage, while Thomas Davenport of Vermont invented an electrical car motor that operated on a track.

19th-century growth1897


The Pope Manufacturing Co. of Hartford, Conn., built around 500 electric cars over a two-year period. The first commercial electric vehicles enter the New York City taxi fleet.


1900s

EV early heyday1900

Electric cars are the top-selling vehicle in the U.S, with 28 percent of the market.

Petroleum powers up1908

The dominance of electric cars was short-lived. Gasoline-powered cars took over, with Ford's Model T in 1908.

No need to crank1912


Charles Kettering invents an electric starter that makes it easier to drive cars with gasoline engines because there's no need to hand-crank.

Electric dinosaurs1935

Electric vehicles all but disappeared with the growth of gas-powered cars.

Simmering interest1947


Electric vehicles are brought up as an alternative when gasoline supplies are tight. When Japan struggled with depleted oil supplies after World War II, Japanese automaker Tama released an electric car that ran on a 40-volt lead acid battery.

OPEC oil1973

The OPEC oil embargo sparked a new conversation about electric vehicles.

California sparks resurgence1996

When California passed a requirement for zero-emission vehicles, GM responded with the mass-produced electric vehicle: the EV1.

Hybrids come to market1997

Toyota begins sales of Prius, a gas-electric hybrid, in Japan.


2000s

New EVs and hybrids launch2010


Numerous automakers roll out sleek new electric vehicles and hybrids. Nissan launched its all-electric Leaf in 2010. A year later, Autolib, a Paris-based electric car sharing service, started with a fleet of 3,000 vehicles.

Worldwide acceptance2012

Chevrolet's Volt, a plug-in hybrid, outsells half the car models in the U.S. market.



Source: International Energy Agency, hybridCARS.com.

 

I'll have a Tesla S, thank you very much.