History of the Electric Vehicle

With the recent surge of hybrid and electric vehicles available, it’s easy to assume that they’re a new addition to the auto world. But did you know that electric vehicles were actually first introduced in the early 1800s? They remained more popular than combustion vehicles at the time until Ford started producing vehicles for the masses. Keep reading to learn more about the history of EVs and how we got to where we are today.

Slow Beginnings to Massive Strides

Around the end of the industrial revolution, great strides in technology and production ushered in the production of the first EVs. Batteries were now available, electricity was a common word, and people around the world felt the improvements that new innovations made in their daily lives. Several inventors tried their hand at producing their own electric vehicles, although early battery power offered disappointing results by today’s standards. The first batteries were single-use, and even rechargeable batteries only carried vehicles up to 50 miles.

EVs continued to impress in small numbers for the next hundred years or so. That is, until the first Model T was introduced. These gasoline-fueled vehicles were cheaper, allowing more consumers than ever to get a taste. Once gasoline vehicles took hold, it didn’t take much for electric cars to fall by the wayside. That’s especially true once they adopted electric starters, doing away with hand-crank starters of the past and making owning a vehicle that much more convenient. Despite small surges in popularity, EVs never quite reached the performance of combustion engines and remained in the dark until recent years.

It wasn’t until the oil crisis in the 1970s that consumers started looking toward electric vehicles as an option. However, the technology hadn’t improved quite enough for wide adoption just yet, but it wasn’t too far off. The late 1990s saw the introduction of the first affordable and accessible hybrid, and it’s only taken off since then. In just the last few years, the estimated number of hybrid and electric vehicles on the road has grown significantly, with an estimated 20 million by the end of 2020. Now that nearly every auto manufacturer has embraced the electric future, that number will only grow. Huge strides in technological advancement mean that EVs are more capable than ever, like the newly-released, all-electric GMC Hummer Pickup and SUV. With up to 1,000 horsepower and 350 miles on a single charge, it’s clear that owning an EV is easier than ever. Plus, most manufacturers like Buick and GMC have plans for an all-electric lineup by the end of the decade.

Electric Vehicles Coming Soon to Ewing Buick GMC

Are you interested in owning an electric vehicle? Keep an eye out for Buick and GMC hybrid and electric vehicles, coming soon to Ewing Buick GMC! While you wait, check out our selection of other vehicles and let us know if we can do anything to help you find your next vehicle.