Background
An electric car is a vehicle that uses an electric motor for its propulsion instead of one that is powered by a gasoline motor. It is a vehicle that is used by those seeking to conserve the environment. The cars are safer, cheaper to operate, require less maintenance, emit less, and are quieter, faster, and easier to use (Barber, 2017). Cars have rechargeable batteries and electric propulsion systems that enable the transmission of energy. The use of the car was meant to reduce pollution by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as compared to gasoline-powered engines. It would also serve to reduce the imports of oils.
History
The person who developed the first electric vehicle is not well known. Historically, what is known is that there the vehicles existed and were used as early as the early 1800s. One of the known electric cars was developed in 1828 by a person known as Anyos Jedik. He developed a small model car that could move freely through the use of a tiny electric motor. A bigger electric motor was made by a Scottish man known as Robert Anderson, who helped drive a carriage. Later, Davenport of the U.S.A. created the first electric car, which used non-rechargeable batteries and hence reduced the car’s range (Bellis, 2017). In the early 1900s, William Morrison developed the first practical electric car, which, however, lacked the range. Today’s electric cars are capable of travelling long distances on their batteries. For instance, the Tesla Roadster in 2008 could travel for about 200 miles on one charge. Improvements are still ongoing with the likelihood of swapping the batteries.
Current Use
Electric cars are popular among members of society, but not everyone since there are some who opt for hybrid vehicles. This is because the governments have subsidized their prices, making them more affordable for many (Weaver, 2017). Some people prefer electric scooters over electric cars since the former has a lower price tag. On the other hand, the vehicles have been improved through the inclusion of some charging devices, such as solar panels. The cars are mainly used in areas or countries with good connectivity to the national grid. Norway and the UK are seen as leading car users. Its use is significant since it seeks to protect the environment through the adoption of green technology.
Summary
The electric vehicles are here to stay. Many individuals claim they are unable to purchase them due to their high cost and low range (Thompson, 2017). In spite of that, the manufacture and marketing of electric cars are likely to soar due to Tesla’s release of patents on the electric car technology to the other manufacturers. In so doing, the car industry will benefit, as well as the customers. Their prices are likely to reduce due to the reduction in the prices of the lithium-ion batteries. The electric cars are likely to be adopted by the customers after a decrease in their prices. In the future, manufacturing companies should seek ways to reduce the prices and also improve the utility of the batteries so that they can be used for longer distances.
References
Barber, M. (2017). Transportation: Before Tesla: Why everyone wanted an electric car in 1905, Vox Media.
Retrieved from https://www.curbed.com/2017/9/22/16346892/electric-car-history-fritchle accessed on 14th April 2018.
Bellis, M. (2017). A History of Electric Vehicles: 1902 Wood’s Electric Phaeton, ThoughtCo.
Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-electric-vehicles-1991603 accessed on 14th April 2018.
Thompson, C. (2017). The fascinating evolution of the electric car, Business Insider Inc.
Retrieved from www.businessinsider.com/electric-car-history-2017-2?IR=T accessed on 14th April 2018.
Weaver, L. (2017). Five Facts on Electric Cars, ThoughtCo.
Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/five-facts-on-electric-cars-85247 accessed on 14th April 2018.
