The History of the Electric Car 

Filed under History • Published on 30/09/21 

The surge in popularity of electric cars may feel like a modern phenomenon, but the idea has been around since the Georgian era. In fact, long before today’s climate debates, Victorians were already exploring alternatives to horse-drawn carts. With streets clogged by waste and public health concerns rising, inventors sought c leaner, more efficient ways to travel. 

Learners studying environmental impact modules such as Environmental Lesson 7 will recognise how these early innovations mirrored the sustainability concerns we continue to face today. 

Early innovations 

In the early 19th century, Hungarian priest Ányos Jedlik built the first small electromotor during his retirement at age 77. This invention laid the groundwork for a new approach to transport. Soon after, British engineer Thomas Parker introduced an electric car powered by rechargeable batteries. 

This was a revolutionary concept for Londoners overwhelmed by the 300,000 horses leaving behind nearly 10kg of manure per day. Public health and environmental concerns made Parker’s vehicle a welcome change, proving that innovation has always been tied to solving everyday challenges. 

The boom years of the 1900s 

By 1900, electric cars were thriving — making up nearly a third of vehicles in the United States. New York’s taxi fleet famously ran dozens of electric models, showing that practical adoption was possible at scale. 

But the tide shifted in 1908 with Henry Ford’s Model T, which combined affordable pricing with mass production. With petrol becoming cheaper, combustion engines soon dominated. 

Interestingly, early EVs were marketed as “women’s cars” because they required no cranking and had no gears. Reliable, quiet, and suited for short local trips, they were pitched as safe and convenient — an example of how marketing strategies have long shaped perceptions of technology. 

Decline and revival 

For much of the 20th century, electric vehicles remained in decline. But the 1970s marked a turning point, thanks to two forces: 

• Rising oil prices 

• The invention of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries 

This renewed investment in EV technology, combined with growing concerns about pollution, pushed development forward once again. Environmental awareness — now taught in modules like Environmental Lesson 8 — became a central driver of innovation. 

The 21st century and beyond 

Fast forward to today, and electric vehicles are no longer a niche experiment. Companies such as Tesla have produced luxury EVs capable of travelling over 200 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, major car manufacturers are converting long-standing petrol and diesel models into electric versions. 

Governments, too, are driving change. The UK has pledged to phase out petrol and diesel sales, and training programmes such as the City & Guilds 2391 keep electricians equipped with the inspection and testing skills required for this e volving sector. For those entering the trade, qualifications like the 2365 Level 3 ensure that learners not only understand electrical installation but are prepared for the rapid growth of EV infrastructure. 

Looking ahead 

History shows us that electric cars have risen and fallen before. Today, the combination of technology, climate policy, and consumer demand makes them more relevant than ever. But whether EVs remain dominant or give way to another transport revolution, one thing is certain: electricians will be at the heart of the transition. 

When was the first electric motor developed and by whom? 

The first electric motor was developed in 1832 by William Sturgeon, a British scientist who created a rudimentary DC motor using a rotating electromagnet, demonstrating the principle of electromagnetic rotation. However, Michael Faraday laid the groundwork in 1821 with his experiments on electromagnetic induction, and Thomas Davenport built a practical DC motor in 1834, patented in 1837, capable of powering small machinery. These early motors, though inefficient, set the stage for later EV propulsion. Elec Training covers this history in its foundational electrical modules, emphasizing motor evolution for modern applications. 

Who built the first practical electric car in the UK? 

The first practical electric car in the UK was built by Walter Bersey in 1897, with his Bersey Electric Cab, a battery-powered vehicle used for taxi services in London. Powered by a 3-horsepower motor and lead-acid batteries, it had a 50-mile range and reached 12 mph, operating 75 cabs by 1898. Despite high maintenance costs, it marked a milestone in urban EV use. Elec Training highlights Bersey’s innovation in its EV history courses, linking to today’s charging infrastructure needs. 

Why were electric cars popular in cities during the early 1900s? 

Electric cars were popular in early 1900s cities due to their quiet operation (ideal for noise-sensitive areas), ease of use (no hand-cranking or gear-shifting), reliability compared to early ICE vehicles, and suitability for short urban trips with limited range (30-50 miles). They thrived in cities like London and New York, where charging stations were accessible and air quality concerns favored cleaner options. By 1900, EVs held 28% of the US vehicle market, outpacing gasoline cars. Elec Training notes parallels with 2025’s urban EV resurgence, driven by ULEZ and net-zero goals. 

What role did New York taxis play in the history of EV adoption? 

New York taxis were pivotal in early EV adoption, with the Electric Vehicle Company operating a fleet of over 1,000 electric cabs by 1900, the largest in the world, using swappable lead-acid batteries for 50-mile ranges. This demonstrated EVs’ commercial viability, with centralized charging s tations foreshadowing modern infrastructure. However, high costs and battery limits led to decline by 1910. Elec Training links this to current fleet electrification, training for charger installations. 

Why were early electric cars marketed as “women’s cars”? 

Early electric cars were marketed as “women’s cars” due to their ease of operation—no hand-cranking or complex gears—quiet performance, and clean interiors, appealing to affluent women in urban settings for short trips. Advertisements emphasized luxury and simplicity, targeting gender stereotypes of the era, with models like the 1909 Baker Electric tailored for “ladies’ comfort.” Elec Training contrasts this with 2025’s inclusive EV marketing, noting historical context in its courses. 

What caused the decline of electric cars in the early 20th century? 

The decline was driven by the rise of cheaper, mass-produced ICE vehicles (e.g., Ford Model T), improved road infrastructure favoring longer-range gasoline cars, limited EV battery range (30-50 miles), slow charging (hours vs. minutes for refueling), and lack of charging networks outside cities. By 1920, EVs dropped to under 5% market share. Elec Training uses this to highlight the importance of infrastructure in its EV charging modules. 

How did Henry Ford’s Model T impact the electric car market? 

Henry Ford’s Model T, launched in 1908, devastated the electric car market by offering affordability ($650 vs. $1,750 for EVs), longer range (100+ miles), and mass production, dropping prices further by 1915. Its gasoline engine suited expanding rural roads, outpacing EVs’ limited 30-50 mile range, reducing EV share to near zero by the 1920s. Elec Training cites this as a lesson in market dynamics for modern EV adoption. 

What factors led to the revival of EV development in the 1970s? 

The 1970s EV revival was spurred by the oil crises (1973, 1979) raising fuel prices, environmental concerns prompting cleaner alternatives, and government incentives like the US Clean Air Act and UK research grants. Models like the Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar (1974) emerged, though limited by lead-acid battery tech. Elec Training links this to today’s net-zero push, teaching historical context for EV infrastructure growth. 

How have lithium-ion batteries changed the potential of electric vehicles? 

Lithium-ion batteries, introduced in the 1990s and scaled in the 2000s, revolutionized EVs by offering higher energy density (150-250 Wh/kg vs. 30-50 for lead-acid), longer ranges (200-400 miles), faster charging (30-60 minutes), and lighter weights, enabling models like Tesla’s to compete with ICE vehicles. In 2025, they drive 16.5% UK new car sales, though safety risks like thermal runaway persist. Elec Training covers battery safety in its EV charging courses. 

What role do electricians play in supporting the growth of EV infrastructure today? 

Electricians are critical in installing and maintaining EV charging infrastructure, including home (7-22 kW) and public (50-150 kW) chargers, ensuring BS 7671 compliance, and integrating with smart grids—supporting 300,000 public points by 2030. They assess electrical loads, retrofit systems, and advise on safety, creating 100,000+ jobs by 2032. Elec Training’s City & Guilds 2921 courses certify pros for this booming sector, aligning with net-zero goals.