How Did Electric Cars Exist Before Gasoline Cars?

The earliest known electric car was built in 1837 by Scottish inventor Robert Davidson, powered by non-rechargeable primary cells. Although it was capable of reaching 4 mph, the limitations of battery technology at the time made it impractical. Admittedly, its initial impression seemed more of a captivating novelty (“Behold! It moves without horse or ox!“) than a practical mode of transportation, but it nonetheless inspired a sense of awe and wonderment. Thomas Parker, a British inventor, built the first practical electric car in 1884. Fueled by his own specially designed high-capacity rechargeable batteries, the vehicle was well received by the public. Adding a chapter on the legendary Electrobats in the tapestry of early electric car history further illuminates the era. Introduced by the Philadelphia-based company Electric Carriage and Wagon Company in 1894, the Electrobats were a series of electric vehicles that pushed the boundaries of what was then perceived as possible in the automobile industry. Despite the initial promise, early electric vehicles grappled with their own set of issues. Limited driving range and the lack of electricity outside urban settings hindered their broader adoption. Join our YouTube channel by clicking here: Find us on Instagram: Find us on Facebook: Find us on Twitter: Find us on TikTok: Get the latest stories: Support IE for high-quality journalism: