Technologically Speaking: How Long Ago Could We Have Built a Feasible Electric Car?
Thomas Davenport, an American blacksmith, constructed the first American DC electric motor in 1834 and built an electric car in 1835. These developments hailed the early potential of electric vehicles (EVs), a field that has seen significant advancements over the years. This article explores the historical context and technical challenges that influenced the development and feasibility of electric cars.
The Early Days: Innovation and Constraints
Thomas Davenport was born on July 9, 1802, in Williamstown, Vermont. His work in electromagnetism laid the groundwork for modern electrical technology. In 1834, he invented the first American DC electric motor, and in 1835, he built the first known electric car. This early model was powered by a battery and operated on a small track, demonstrating the potential of battery-powered electric motors for transportation.
Davenport received the first American patent (Patent No. 132) for an electric machine in 1837, along with his wife Emily and colleague Orange Smalley. Their invention provided a significant milestone in the development of electric vehicles, paving the way for future advancements. In 1851, Charles Grafton Page demonstrated the viability of electric cars in a practical setting when he drove an electric vehicle on the tracks of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Washington to Bladensburg at a speed of 19 miles per hour.
Batteries: The Challenge of Early Technology
The main challenge in the early development of electric cars was the battery. Early batteries were heavy and cumbersome, utilizing lead and sulfuric acid. These batteries posed significant safety risks, especially in the event of a crash. Additionally, the cost of purchasing and maintaining such batteries was prohibitively high. Despite these limitations, electric cars had a practical advantage in an era where reliable and affordable oil was not readily available for gas-driven automobiles.
The Rise and Decline of Electric Cars
In the late 19th century, electric cars were the norm in the automobile industry due to the lack of a strong oil supply for gas-driven cars. However, the discovery of large oil deposits in the early 20th century changed this dynamic. By 1920, the rising popularity of gasoline-fueled cars, powered by internal combustion engines, led to a decline in the production of electric cars. This shift was driven by several factors, including the lower costs of gasoline and the faster performance and range of gas-powered vehicles.
Current Challenges and Future Possibilities
Fast forward to the present, electric cars face new challenges in competing with modern internal combustion engines (ICEs). Despite advancements in battery technology, electric cars are still often considered less practical compared to their ICE counterparts. The difficulty in making electric cars feasible today lies in the fact that they are not just competing with the gas engines of a century ago but with those of the current era. To catch up, electric cars need to overcome a century's worth of advancements and innovations in ICE technology.
The lack of investment in electric car technology for much of the 20th century has resulted in slower progress in this field. However, recent years have seen increased interest and substantial investment in developing more efficient, powerful, and cost-effective electric vehicles. Advancements in related technologies, such as wireless charging, advanced battery chemistry, and better energy management systems, have provided a foundation for future improvements.
Conclusion
The history of electric cars reveals a fascinating journey from early innovation to periods of decline. While the technology for building feasible electric cars was available in the 19th century, practical and economic challenges hindered their widespread adoption. Today, with renewed interest and advances in technology, electric cars are poised to become a more feasible and competitive alternative to ICE vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, electric vehicles are likely to play an increasingly important role in the future.