Electric Beginnings: How EVs Were Once the Future

Electric vehicles have a surprisingly long history, tracing back to the late 19th century when they were considered the pinnacle of modern transportation. At one point, they even outnumbered their gasoline-powered counterparts, dominating urban streets with their simplicity, cleanliness, and ease of use. This is the story of how electric vehicles shaped the early 20th century and how they are making a remarkable comeback today.

The Early Days: Electric Vehicles Take the Lead (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)

Electric vehicles (EVs) have a longer history than most people realize. In fact, electric-powered transportation dates back to the late 19th century. By the early 1900s, electric vehicles—including cars and scooters—were thriving.

Electric Scooters (Early 1900s):
The earliest iterations of electric scooters appeared around the turn of the century. These primitive designs were simple, typically resembling motorized bicycles with electric motors. They were lightweight, quiet, and ideal for short urban commutes. Although their range and speed were limited, they proved functional in city environments.
Electric Cars Dominate (1890–1920):
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, electric cars were the preferred mode of transport for many. At their peak, EVs outnumbered gasoline-powered cars. By 1900, over 28% of cars in the United States were electric. Their popularity stemmed from several advantages:
- Quiet and Clean: Unlike noisy, smelly gasoline-powered cars, electric vehicles offered a smooth, silent ride.
- Ease of Use: Early internal combustion engines (ICEs) required manual cranking to start, which was cumbersome and sometimes dangerous. Electric cars, by contrast, were simple to operate.
- Urban Focus: Electric cars excelled in cities, where short trips made range limitations less of an issue.

Fun Facts, Stories, and Numbers from the Early Days

The "Doctor's Car": Electric cars became popular among doctors in the early 1900s because they were reliable and could start immediately without the hassle of cranking. This allowed doctors to make house calls more efficiently.
Women and EVs: Electric cars were often marketed to women in the early 20th century. Advertisements highlighted how clean, easy, and safe they were to operate compared to gasoline cars, which were seen as dirty and mechanically complex.
The Electric Taxi Fleet: By 1897, New York City had a fleet of electric taxis called the "Electrobat," one of the world’s first examples of commercial electric vehicle use. These cabs were quiet, clean, and well-suited for urban environments, but they struggled to compete as gasoline cars became cheaper. At its height, there were over 60 electric taxis operating in New York City.
Battery Swap Stations: A century before modern battery-swapping concepts, early electric taxis in some cities operated with exchangeable batteries. When the vehicle’s battery was depleted, drivers could swap it for a fresh one, reducing downtime significantly.
1900 EV Statistics: At the turn of the century, about 28% of cars in the United States were electric, compared to 40% steam-powered and 32% gasoline-powered. The electric car held a significant market share, especially in urban areas.
Trams and Electric Rail: Electric-powered trams became a cornerstone of urban transportation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unlike self-contained electric cars, trams relied on external electric sources, typically via overhead wires or underground rails. Their efficiency and ability to transport large numbers of people made them a vital part of city infrastructure.
Diesel-Electric Engines: Though not purely electric, diesel-electric locomotives emerged in the mid-20th century as a hybrid system. They used diesel engines to generate electricity, which powered electric motors driving the wheels. This technology allowed for greater efficiency and is still widely used in trains today.
Giant Quarry Trucks: Some of the world’s largest vehicles, like giant quarry trucks, operate on a diesel-electric principle. These massive machines use electric motors for their wheels, powered by diesel generators, allowing them to haul enormous loads in mining operations. Though not fully electric, they showcase the versatility of electric motor technology.
Range and Performance: The Detroit Electric, one of the most popular models of the time, could travel up to 100 miles on a single charge—an impressive feat that rivaled modern EVs.
Jay Leno’s Collection: Today, comedian Jay Leno owns and showcases several early electric cars in his collection, including a 1909 Baker Electric. The Baker Electric, popular for its luxury and simplicity, had an impressive range of up to 100 miles per charge—not far off from some modern EVs.

The Rise of Combustion Engines (1920s–1930s)

Despite their early success, electric cars and scooters began to decline in the 1920s. Several factors contributed to this shift:

Improved Combustion Technology: The internal combustion engine became more efficient and reliable, reducing the cost of gasoline-powered vehicles.
Mass Production: Henry Ford’s assembly line drastically lowered the cost of gasoline cars, making them accessible to the masses. The Ford Model T, introduced in 1908, became a symbol of affordable transportation.
Infrastructure for Gasoline: The growing network of gas stations made ICE vehicles more practical for longer trips, while charging infrastructure for EVs was almost nonexistent.
Oil Boom: The discovery of large oil reserves made gasoline cheap and widely available, further tipping the scales in favor of combustion engines.

By the mid-20th century, electric vehicles had largely disappeared from roads, surviving only in niche applications like forklifts and other industrial equipment.

The Resurgence of Electric Scooters (1990s–Present)

Electric scooters made a comeback in the late 20th century, thanks to advancements in battery technology and growing urbanization.

1990s: Companies like Razor popularized lightweight electric scooters for recreational use. While these were more toys than serious vehicles, they paved the way for modern micromobility.
2010s: The introduction of lithium-ion batteries revolutionized the industry, enabling compact, powerful, and long-range electric scooters. Companies like Lime, Bird, and Xiaomi led the rise of shared electric scooters, transforming urban mobility. These vehicles became indispensable for "last-mile" transportation, helping commuters cover short distances.

The EV Renaissance (2000s–Present)

Electric cars began their dramatic resurgence in the early 21st century, driven by a mix of technological advancements, environmental awareness, and government incentives.

Tesla and the Modern EV Revolution: Founded in 2003, Tesla redefined the electric car as a luxury and performance vehicle. Models like the Tesla Roadster (2008) and Model S (2012) demonstrated that EVs could outperform traditional cars while offering long ranges and sleek designs.
Battery Breakthroughs: Improvements in battery technology, particularly lithium-ion, made electric cars more practical by significantly increasing range and reducing charging times.
Environmental Concerns: As concerns over climate change and air pollution grew, governments worldwide introduced incentives to promote EV adoption. By the 2020s, EVs were seen as a critical part of the transition to a sustainable future.

The Sinclair C5: A Notable Experiment (1985)

The Sinclair C5, introduced in 1985, was an ambitious attempt to bring electric vehicles to the masses in a new and affordable format. Designed by Sir Clive Sinclair, better known for his groundbreaking work in the computer industry, the C5 was a small, three-wheeled, electric-powered personal vehicle aimed at short urban commutes. Sinclair’s earlier ventures, particularly the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and Sinclair ZX80/ZX81, had revolutionized personal computing by making it affordable and accessible to millions. However, his foray into electric vehicles did not achieve the same success.

Despite its innovative concept, the Sinclair C5 failed to achieve commercial success for several reasons:

Limited Practicality: With a top speed of just 15 mph (24 km/h) and a short range of about 20 miles (32 km), the C5 struggled to meet the needs of most commuters.
Safety Concerns: Its low profile made it difficult for other road users to see, raising safety concerns in traffic.
Weather Exposure: The open design left drivers exposed to the elements, making it unsuitable for year-round use.
Public Perception: Many saw the C5 as a novelty rather than a serious mode of transportation, and its marketing campaign failed to convince the public otherwise.

Despite its failure, the Sinclair C5 is remembered as a bold and early attempt to rethink personal transportation, paving the way for the micromobility innovations we see today.

Today: Electric Scooters and Cars Side by Side

Today, electric cars and scooters coexist as essential components of modern transportation:

Electric Scooters: They dominate micromobility solutions, especially in densely populated cities. Shared fleets have become a common sight, offering affordable, convenient transportation for short distances.
Electric Cars: EVs are rapidly gaining market share, with many countries setting ambitious targets to phase out gasoline and diesel vehicles by the 2030s. Legacy automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, and GM have joined the EV race, alongside startups like Rivian and Lucid Motors.

The Future: A World of Electric Mobility

Both electric cars and scooters are poised for continued growth. Key trends shaping their future include:

Improved Batteries: Solid-state batteries promise even greater efficiency, range, and safety.
Charging Infrastructure: Expanding the global network of charging stations will make EVs more practical for everyone.
Integration with Renewable Energy: The rise of solar and wind power aligns perfectly with the electric mobility revolution.
Autonomous Driving: Self-driving technology may transform how we use electric vehicles, from robo-taxis to automated scooter fleets.

From their early dominance in the 1900s to their resurgence today, electric vehicles—both cars and scooters—have come full circle, embodying the promise of a cleaner, more sustainable future.