Electric Cars Ruled The Roads Before Gasoline Took Over
Most people think electric cars are a modern invention, but they actually dominated American roads over a century ago. In the early 1900s, electric vehicles outsold their gasoline-powered competitors by a wide margin.
The 1899 US census recorded more electric vehicles than gasoline cars, with electricity powering 38 percent of all automobiles by 1900. Steam-powered cars held 40 percent of the market, while gasoline vehicles trailed behind at just 22 percent.
British Innovation Started It All:
British electrical engineer Thomas Parker built one of the earliest production electric cars in 1884 in Wolverhampton, England. Parker equipped his vehicle with high-capacity rechargeable batteries that he developed himself.
However, Parker was not the absolute first inventor of electric vehicles. Scottish inventor Robert Anderson created a crude electric carriage between 1832 and 1839, and other inventors experimented with electric propulsion throughout the mid-1800s.
Why Early Drivers Preferred Electric:
Electric cars offered several advantages that made them popular with early automobile buyers. They operated quietly without the loud engine noise of gasoline vehicles. Electric cars started instantly with the push of a button, while gasoline cars required difficult hand-cranking.
They produced no exhaust fumes or vibrations, making them cleaner and more comfortable to drive. Wealthy urban residents particularly appreciated these features for city driving.
The Decline Of Electric Automobiles:
Electric vehicles maintained strong sales until around 1914, when several factors caused their decline. Gasoline cars became cheaper to produce thanks to Henry Ford's assembly line manufacturing techniques.
The electric starter motor, invented in 1912, eliminated the need for hand-cranking gasoline engines. Better roads allowed for longer trips, which exposed the limited driving range of electric vehicles. By the 1920s, gasoline-powered automobiles had taken over the market completely.
Lessons From The Past Shape Today's Future:
The early success of electric vehicles demonstrates that this technology is not new but rather a return to automotive roots. Modern electric cars face similar challenges to their predecessors, including charging infrastructure and driving range concerns.
However, today's advanced battery technology and environmental awareness have given electric vehicles a second chance at dominating the roads. Understanding this history helps us appreciate that the transition to electric transportation is part of a longer story that began over 140 years ago.
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