The Rise and Fall of Electric Vehicles
In the mid-19th century, the world witnessed the birth of a revolutionary mode of transportation – the electric vehicle. These early electric cars were not only innovative but also held the coveted vehicular land speed record until around 1900.
The high cost, low top speed, and short range of battery electric vehicles, when compared to the later internal combustion engine vehicles, led to a worldwide decline in their use. Despite this setback, electric vehicles have continued to find their niche, powering electric trains and other specialized applications.
The invention of the first model electric vehicle is attributed to various pioneers in the field. In 1828, Ányos Jedlik, a Hungarian inventor, created a small model car powered by his newly invented electric motor. A few years later, in 1834, Vermont blacksmith Thomas Davenport built a similar contraption that operated on a short, circular, electrified track.
Around the same time, in 1834, Professor Sibrandus Stratingh of Groningen, the Netherlands, and his assistant Christopher Becker, created a small-scale electrical car powered by non-rechargeable primary cells.
These early electric vehicles, while groundbreaking, faced significant challenges compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts. The high cost, low top speed, and limited range of battery electric vehicles ultimately led to a decline in their widespread adoption, as the world embraced the convenience and performance of gasoline-powered cars.
Despite this setback, electric vehicles continued to play a role in various niche applications, such as electric trains and other specialized transportation solutions. The recent resurgence of interest in electric vehicles, driven by concerns over environmental sustainability and advancements in battery technology, has once again brought the electric car into the spotlight, promising a future where these innovative modes of transportation may reclaim their rightful place on the roads.
Here is a link to information on Electric Vehicles that is still working 20 years after I originally posted it:
Electric Vehicle Association of Silicon Valley
“The EVASV is our local chapter of the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA), which has many local chapters throughout the United States as well as a few international chapters. The Silicon Valley Chapter has evolved from the original EAA (originally known as Electric Auto Association) founding event in 1967, and has promoted the adoption of electric cars ever since. In the early years, there were very few commercially available electric cars, so some of our “DIY” (do it yourself) members would convert a gasoline powered car into an electric car using forklift motors and lead acid batteries.” – https://eaasv.org/
