History of Electric Cars Essay Example
History of Electric Cars Essay Example

History of Electric Cars Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (334 words)
  • Published: October 16, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Electric autos have been in existence since their creation in 1837 and faced a decline in the early twentieth century, but they made a comeback in the 1960s. Interestingly, at the turn of the twentieth century, there were actually more electric autos than gas ones. The question that arises is how electric autos have evolved over the past century. In 1837, Robert Anderson created the first electric auto by attaching a battery and motor to a passenger car. During the 1880s and 1890s, electric autos gained popularity both in the US and Europe. In 1898, Bailey and Company added a motor to one of their passenger cars; however, their batteries were too heavy for the motor.S.R. Bailey and his son Edwin developed an electric car in 1908 that could travel 50 miles before needing to be recharged, with the assistance of Thomas Edison who tested his new battery invention on Bailey cars. Despite its

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initial fame, the popularity of electric cars declined after 1915 when production ceased for the Bailey Company's electric car. The Detroit Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Company also faced operational challenges and closed down in 1941. Gas-powered automobiles had advantages over their electric counterparts, including longer range. However, advancements were made by electric car manufacturers during the 1960s to enhance their capabilities. Additionally, the oil trade embargo in 1973 prompted increased research and development efforts in electric vehicles (source: "Automobile.electric"). Notable advancements in automobile technology throughout history include Charles Kettering's invention of the electric starting motor in 1912 and Henry Ford's introduction of assembly line procedures which reduced the cost of gas-powered cars.Electric cars have come a long way, now offering impressive range

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of up to 300 miles on a single charge. Manufacturers have also turned their attention to hybrid cars, which combine gas engines with batteries to power an electric motor. This incorporation of gasoline eliminates the risk of running out of charge while driving these hybrids. As a result, electric cars have transformed from basic passenger vehicles into sophisticated driving machines over time.

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