Motor Expo 2026

EVs Changed History When EVs Are Not New

Electric Vehicles (Electric Vehicle: EV), popular in the current era, have a history longer than we might think. This article will take you back to look at the history of the world's first electric car and the manufacturers who created it.

When Did the First Electric Car Emerge?

The world's first electric car was built in the 19th century, a period when the Industrial Revolution expanded globally, especially in Europe, and when internal combustion engine vehicles (Internal Combustion Engine: ICE or IC engine) began to appear. The first automobile was invented by Karl Benz in 1885 (2428 BE). The first electric car was developed in 1830 (2373 BE), developed before the internal combustion engine car, by a Scottish inventor named Robert Anderson. He built an electric car powered by a non-rechargeable battery, marking the beginning of early electric vehicles. Robert  Anderson's electric car is considered an important innovation in starting the era of electric vehicles.

Limitations of Robert Anderson's Battery, Which Was Not Practically Usable at That Time

Non-rechargeable: New batteries had to be replaced every time.
Insufficient power: Could not be used for long compared to current technology.
No power control system: Limited usability, could not travel long distances.

Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (Gasoline Cars) Developed Later But Were Practical

Karl Benz produced the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the world's first gasoline-powered automobile, in 1885-1886 (2428-2429 BE).
Gasoline-powered cars developed rapidly because they were easier to refuel and could travel further than electric cars of that era.
Gasoline was cheaper, making it accessible to the general public, and many gas stations emerged.

Developer of the World's First Electric Car Battery

Although Robert Anderson was the creator of the first electric car, the designer and installer of a practical and efficient electric propulsion system in an electric car was developed in the late 19th century by Thomas Parker, an Englishman nicknamed “The Edison of Europe”. He built an electric car using a rechargeable battery in 1884 (2427 BE). He contributed to the advancement and practical application of electric vehicle technology in cars.

Biography, Works, and Inventions of Thomas Parker

Improved lead-acid battery: Parker patented improvements to the lead-acid battery in 1882 (2425 BE), enhancing battery performance. 
Developed electric vehicles: He was a pioneer in electric car production, creating the world's first electric car. 
Produced smokeless fuel: Parker invented a smokeless fuel called "Coalite," which burned cleanly and emitted less pollution. 
Established an electrical company: He founded a company (Thomas Parker Ltd.) that distributed electrical equipment and electrical systems widely. 
Transportation: Played a significant role in the development of electric trams and public transportation. 

The World's First Truly Practical Electric Car

However, the first practical electric car was the Flocken Elektrowagen in 1888 (2431 BE) by Andreas Flocken, a German inventor. This electric car could produce 0.9 kilowatts (1 horsepower), travel at a maximum speed of 15 km/h, and weighed 400 kilograms. Andreas Flocken proved that electric cars could be practical. 

The Legacy of Andreas Flocken

The Flocken Elektrowagen, though not a commercial success, is considered a significant innovation in the history of electric vehicles and an inspiration for later inventors, marking the beginning of important technology in the 21st century.

Disputes and Challenges for Electric Vehicles in the Late 19th Century

Competition Between Electric Cars and Gasoline Cars

In the late 19th century, electric cars had to compete with internal combustion engine cars. Electric cars offered advantages in terms of quietness and zero emissions but had limitations regarding range and battery charging. The lack of environmental awareness among people at that time was one factor contributing to the unpopularity of electric vehicles. Furthermore, economic issues and livelihood changes from an agricultural era to an industrial revolution with more capitalism led people to use gasoline cars more due to their lower price and greater convenience, making electric vehicles unpopular.

Limitations in Battery Technology

Rechargeable battery technology was not yet advanced. Batteries in the late 19th century still had low efficiency, were heavy, stored little energy, and the scarcity of battery charging stations was a significant problem that made electric cars unpopular.

Lack of Government Support

Electric cars at that time lacked support from the government and investors due to technological challenges and high production costs, whereas gasoline-powered cars received more interest from investors and large companies.

Patent Disputes

In the late 19th century, many new innovations and technologies were created. Inventors tried to patent their technologies to prevent competitors from using them, hoping to gain a market advantage, which impacted the development of electric cars in many ways. This competition led to lawsuits and legal disputes. Patent lawsuits were time-consuming and expensive, diverting time from electric car development to legal battles. This resulted in a lack of cooperation and uncertainty among inventors who were unsure of their rights. Unfair patent management problems reduced the development of electric vehicle technology. 

References
Book: The Electric Vehicle: Technology and Expectations in the Automobile Age by Gijs Mom
(ISBN: 978-0801871382)
This book discusses the history of electric vehicles and early challenges.

Website: Deutsches Museum (German Museum)
https://www.deutsches-museum.de/
This museum has information about the Flocken Elektrowagen and the history of electric vehicles in Germany.

Article from IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
https://www.ieee.org/
Academic articles on the development of electric vehicles in the 19th century.

Website: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office)
https://www.uspto.gov/
Information on patent history and legal disputes.

Electric car
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_car
This article is about electric cars, covering all types of electric vehicles.