With all the interest in finding a Green alternative to petroleum powered engines, major car companies are now looking at the possibilities of the electric car “once again!”. The concept of an electric car is not a new idea at all, in fact the electric powered car pre-dates cars running on combustion engines.
BEVs (battery electric vehicle) were among some of the earliest automobiles. Following the invention of electricity, in the years between 1832 and 1839 (exact year is uncertain), Scottish businessman Robert Anderson invented the first electric powered carriage. It was of crude design and yet a century-and-a-half ahead of its time. The introduction of the electric starter motor by Cadillac in 1913 contributed to the success of the internal combustion engine, making it easier to start and less dangerous. This innovation contributed greatly to the downfall of the electric vehicle, as did the age of the mass-produced and relatively inexpensive Ford Model T.
BEVs are more energy efficient than the internal combustion engine, the fuel cell, and most other types of vehicles. BEVs produce no exhaust fumes and minimal pollution if charged from a renewable energy source. Electric cars have had problematic issues with expensive battery costs, restrictive travel distances between battery recharging, long charging time, and short battery lifespan, which have limited widespread demand.
With the environmental issue becoming an ever-more apparent concern, it may be that Robert Anderson’s time has come and that one day in the not-so-distant future an old concept will see electric cars being the norm’ on every street.
