Electric Cars: The Original EV Vehicle
Electric cars aren’t just the EV vehicle in innovation. They were once the mainstream. In fact, during the early 1900s, electric vehicles (EVs) weren’t just common—they were leading the market.
Now, Txchnologist, the tech and innovation blog by GE, confirms what I’ve been saying for years. EVs weren’t a fringe idea. They were the standard in the United States—long before gasoline-powered cars took over.
A Quiet Revolution—Over a Century Ago
In 1900, nearly 38% of all cars in the U.S. were electric. That’s according to historical data, not opinion. Steam-powered vehicles made up around 40%, and internal combustion engines only accounted for 22%. It’s a surprising breakdown, considering where we are today.
Electric cars were favored in cities. They were easier to operate, cleaner, and didn’t require a crank start. Women in particular preferred EVs for their simplicity and safety. Thomas Edison even supported electric mobility, working on battery improvements for early electric models.
Why Gasoline Took Over
So what happened? Why did electric vehicles vanish from American roads?
First, the discovery of large oil reserves and the mass production of gasoline made internal combustion engines cheaper to run. Then came Henry Ford’s assembly line in 1913. The Model T dropped in price, while electric cars remained expensive and limited in range.
Charging infrastructure also never kept pace. Meanwhile, gas stations began popping up across the country. Within a couple of decades, electric cars faded into history—seen as impractical relics.
Back to the Future: Electric Cars EV Comeback
Fast-forward to today, and the cycle is reversing. Oil prices are rising. Climate change is a daily threat. Cities are choking with smog. And battery technology is finally catching up.
So yes, electric cars are back. But in truth, they never should’ve left. History proves they were a legitimate—and dominant—transportation choice long before Teslas or Leafs hit the road.
Txchnologist Gets It
GE’s Txchnologist blog nailed this topic. In their post, they laid out how EVs once reigned supreme and showed vintage images of early electric cars. Their research aligns with what I’ve written in Build Your Own Electric Vehicle and Green Lighting. The future of EVs is rooted in their past.
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Conclusion
Electric vehicles aren’t new. They’re a comeback story. One built on real history, not hype. In the early 1900s, they were everywhere. Today, we have the chance to bring them back for good—and do it better, smarter, and cleaner.
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Sources:
1.Txchnologist Blog – https://txchnologist.com
2.Smithsonian Magazine – https://www.smithsonianmag.com
