Why Electric Cars Were Ignored for Decades: Debunking the Myths and History
It is often said that no one thought about producing electric cars until relatively recently. This claim, however, is both misleading and incomplete. Let's delve into the rich history of electric cars and dispel some common misconceptions.
The Early History of Electric Cars
Electric cars did not spring into existence only a few decades ago; they have a much longer and more complex history. The first electric car for sale in the USA dates back to 1890, with numerous versions of electric cars produced by various companies throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the early 1900s, about half of the cars on the road were electric, and they were incredibly popular due to their quietness, ease of operation, and efficiency in urban environments.
The Rise and Fall of Electric Cars
The golden era of electric cars came to an end with the advent of Henry Ford's Model T, rapid government subsidies for oil companies, and the widespread availability of gasoline. Gasoline-powered cars became cheaper, more powerful, and more reliable, leading to a decline in the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs).
A Complicated Story: Batteries and Beancounters
The primary reason for the decline in the popularity of electric cars was not a lack of imagination or interest but rather technological limitations and economic factors. At the time, the batteries that powered these vehicles were severely restricted in their range and recharging capabilities. This, coupled with the rapidly improving internal combustion engine (ICE) technology and the lack of infrastructure for electric power, made electric cars less practical for the average consumer.
When General Motors (GM) re-entered the electric vehicle market in the late 1980s with the EV1, it was a significant step forward in technology. GM demonstrated that with modern technology, electric vehicles (EVs) were just as viable as gasoline-powered cars. Despite this, the beancounters at GM decided that EVs were not as profitable as traditional ICE vehicles and ultimately terminated the project. This decision was consistent with the business model of the auto industry at the time, which placed a high emphasis on profit margins.
Revival of Electric Cars: The Tesla Effect
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and we see a revival of interest in electric cars. The reasons for this resurgence are multifaceted. Improved battery technology, the advent of solid-state devices for motor control and charging, and better motor designs have made electric power trains vastly superior in terms of efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness. While batteries need to get a bit cheaper to compete fully with traditional ICE vehicles, the trend is clear: the market is moving towards electric cars.
Enter Elon Musk and Tesla. Musk's innovative approach to introducing new products—tailoring products to higher-end consumers first, and then gradually lowering prices—has been instrumental in kick-starting the market for electric cars. Tesla's success has shown that electric cars are not just a niche market for environmentalists but a viable and attractive option for a broader range of consumers.
Conclusion
The idea of producing electric cars was not neglected for decades; in fact, it has a rich and complex history. While the early limitations of battery technology and the prevailing business models of the automotive industry led to the decline of electric cars, the current resurgence is driven by advances in technology and a keen business strategy. As the market continues to evolve, electric cars are poised to become the norm, not the exception, in the coming decades.