Before the Spark: The Forgotten Origins of Electric Mobility

Introduction

When we think of electric vehicles (EVs) today, names like Tesla, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt come to mind. The 21st century has seen a resurgence in electric mobility, driven by concerns over climate change, oil dependency, and technological advancements. However, the history of electric vehicles stretches back much further than most people realize—long before the first Tesla Roadster hit the roads in 2008.

In fact, electric cars were among the earliest automobiles, competing fiercely with steam and gasoline-powered vehicles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This article explores the forgotten origins of electric mobility, tracing its rise, fall, and the factors that led to its temporary disappearance before its modern revival.

The Birth of Electric Vehicles (1830s–1890s)

Early Experiments with Electricity and Motion

The foundations of electric mobility were laid in the early 19th century, long before the internal combustion engine (ICE) became dominant. Key milestones include:

• 1828: Hungarian engineer Ányos Jedlik created a small-scale model of an electric vehicle powered by a simple electric motor.

• 1834-1835: American blacksmith Thomas Davenport and Scottish inventor Robert Anderson independently built crude electric carriages powered by non-rechargeable batteries.

• 1859: French physicist Gaston Planté invented the lead-acid battery, a crucial development that made rechargeable electric vehicles feasible.

The First Practical Electric Cars (1880s–1890s)

By the late 19th century, advancements in battery technology and electric motors led to the first commercially viable electric vehicles:

• 1881: French inventor Gustave Trouvé demonstrated an electric tricycle powered by a rechargeable battery at the International Exhibition of Electricity in Paris.

• 1884: English engineer Thomas Parker, known for electrifying the London Underground, built one of the first production electric cars.

• 1890–1891: American chemist William Morrison developed a six-passenger electric wagon in Des Moines, Iowa, considered the first successful electric vehicle in the U.S.

Electric cars gained popularity due to their quiet operation, lack of fumes, and ease of use—especially compared to the loud, unreliable, and manually cranked gasoline cars of the era.

The Golden Age of Electric Vehicles (1895–1915)

Electric Cars Outperform Gasoline and Steam

At the turn of the 20th century, electric vehicles were serious contenders in the automobile market:

• 1897: The Electric Carriage and Wagon Company of Philadelphia produced electric taxis for New York City, marking the first commercial EV fleet.

• 1899: Belgian racer Camille Jenatzy set a land speed record of 65 mph (105 km/h) in his bullet-shaped electric car, La Jamais Contente ("The Never Satisfied").

• 1900: Approximately one-third of all vehicles on U.S. roads were electric, competing with steam (40%) and gasoline (22%).

Luxury and Women Drivers

Electric cars were marketed toward affluent urbanites, especially women, because they were:

• Cleaner (no oil or exhaust).

• Easier to start (no hand cranking).

• More refined (quieter and smoother than gasoline cars).

Notable luxury EVs of the era included:

• Baker Electric (1899–1916) – Favored by celebrities like Thomas Edison.

• Detroit Electric (1907–1939) – Owned by Clara Ford (Henry Ford’s wife).

• Columbia Electric (1896–1913) – Produced thousands of electric taxis and private cars.

The Decline of Electric Mobility (1910s–1930s)

Despite their early success, electric vehicles began losing ground to gasoline-powered cars due to several factors:

1. The Mass Production of Gasoline Cars

• 1908: Henry Ford’s Model T made gasoline cars affordable ($650 vs. $1,750 for an electric car).

• 1912: The electric starter eliminated the need for hand cranking, removing a key advantage of EVs.

2. Limited Range and Speed

• Early EVs had a range of 30–50 miles, while gasoline cars could travel much farther.

• Rural areas lacked charging infrastructure, favoring gasoline.

3. Discovery of Cheap Oil

• Texas oil booms made gasoline abundant and inexpensive.

By the 1920s, electric cars had largely disappeared from the mainstream, surviving only in niche roles (e.g., milk floats and forklifts).

The Long Road Back (1970s–1990s)

Interest in electric vehicles resurfaced due to:

• 1973 Oil Crisis – Gas shortages renewed interest in alternatives.

• Environmental Concerns – Air pollution and smog led to regulations favoring cleaner cars.

• Early Modern EVs – Models like the General Motors EV1 (1996) and Toyota RAV4 EV (1997) hinted at a revival, but limited battery technology hindered mass adoption.

The 21st Century Revival (2000s–Present)

Breakthroughs in lithium-ion batteries, government incentives, and companies like Tesla (founded 2003) reignited the electric revolution. Today, EVs are outselling early 20th-century records, with nearly every major automaker committing to an electric future.

Conclusion

The history of electric mobility is a story of innovation, competition, and temporary obscurity. Long before Tesla, early electric vehicles were pioneers of clean transportation—only to be sidelined by cheap oil and mass-produced gasoline cars. Now, with climate change and energy security driving the shift back to electricity, the wheel has come full circle.