The first electric car was built in 1832, well before the gasoline-powered Model T. Scottish inventor Robert Anderson created a crude but functional electric-powered carriage. However, the more practical and recognized first electric car was developed by Thomas Parker, a British inventor who electrified a prototype carriage around 1884. Parker, who was also responsible for electrifying the London Underground, aimed to create a vehicle that was cleaner and quieter than the steam-powered alternatives of the era.
The late 1800s and early 1900s were actually a golden age for electric vehicles (EVs). They were popular in cities because they were easy to start, quiet, and didn't emit smelly fumes—advantages that gasoline cars of the time couldn't match. In 1900, electric cars held a significant share of the market. The table below shows some key early milestones.
| Year | Inventor/Company | Vehicle/Milestone | Significance |
|---|
| 1832 | Robert Anderson | Electric-powered carriage | First crude electric vehicle prototype |
| 1835 | Thomas Davenport | Small-scale electric locomotive | First practical application of an electric motor |
| 1884 | Thomas Parker | Electrified prototype carriage | First production-ready electric car |
| 1890-91 | William Morrison | Practical electric wagon | First successful EV in the U.S., sparked interest |
| 1897 | Pope Manufacturing Co. | Columbia Electric Phaeton | EVs used in first large-scale commercial fleet (NYC taxis) |
| 1900 | Ferdinand Porsche | Lohner-Porsche Mixte | Created the first-ever hybrid electric car |
Despite this early promise, electric cars eventually lost out. The mass production of the gasoline-powered Ford Model T, starting in 1908, made internal combustion engine cars dramatically cheaper. The discovery of large crude oil reserves made gasoline inexpensive and readily available, while improvements to roads reduced the need for short-range city vehicles. For most of the 20th century, the electric car was largely forgotten, making its current resurgence a fascinating return to its early roots.
