Electric Vehicles (EVs) are booming today, yet history tells a surprising story — EVs were once more popular than gasoline cars, over 100 years ago. So what happened? Why did they disappear? And with today’s rise, could they vanish again? Let’s explore this through experience, expertise, and historical insights.
1. The Golden Age of Electric Vehicles – A Century Ago
-
In the early 1900s, electric vehicles were widely used and preferred for city transportation.
-
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs accounted for around 38% of all vehicles in America in 1900.
-
Famous inventors like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford experimented with EVs. Edison even developed better batteries for electric cars.
-
EVs were quiet, clean, and didn’t require manual cranking like gasoline cars.
Key Insight: EVs were considered luxurious, convenient, and futuristic during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
2. Why Did Electric Vehicles Disappear in the 20th Century?
Several reasons contributed to their decline:
a. Rise of Internal Combustion Engines
-
The Model T by Ford (1908) was mass-produced, cheap, and ran on petrol.
-
Gasoline became more affordable and accessible than electricity.
b. Infrastructure and Convenience
-
Gas stations spread quickly, while electric charging was rare.
-
Battery technology was not advanced enough — limited range and long charging times hurt adoption.
c. Oil Industry Boom
-
The discovery of massive oil reserves globally made petrol cars economically dominant.
-
Powerful lobbying by oil companies also pushed combustion engines forward.
Real Example: By 1935, electric vehicles had virtually vanished from roads. Ford stopped working on electric car projects, and gasoline became king.
Sets of batteries in the late 18th century.
3. The EV Revival – Lessons from the Past
We’re now seeing a second electric revolution. But this time, it’s backed by:
-
Climate change urgency and demand for low-emission transport.
-
Government subsidies and regulatory mandates.
-
Advanced lithium-ion batteries provide better range.
-
Global leaders like Tesla, BYD, Tata, Hyundai, and MG are heavily investing in EV tech.
Real-Time Example:
In India, Tata Motors’ Nexon EV became the country’s best-selling electric SUV, helping the brand capture a 70% market share by 2024.
4. Could EVs Die Again? Key Risks to Watch
Despite growth, the EV industry faces several critical threats:
a. Battery Supply Chain Issues
-
Lithium, cobalt, and rare earth materials are finite and concentrated in a few countries.
b. Lack of Charging Infrastructure
-
In developing nations like India, the slow rollout of EV charging stations could create adoption hurdles.
c. Policy Rollbacks
-
Changes in government leadership could lead to cuts in EV subsidies or favourable treatment of fossil fuels.
d. Affordability Concerns
-
EVs are still more expensive than ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles. Widening this gap could hurt middle-class adoption.
Experience Tip: Without consistent policy support, public-private partnerships, and technological breakthroughs, EVs may struggle, just like they did 100 years ago.
5. How Can We Prevent History from Repeating Itself?
Strengthen Trust Through:
-
Reliable infrastructure (charging stations, service centres)
-
Government incentives that are consistent in the long term
-
Transparent communication about battery life, safety, and benefits
-
Education and awareness for consumers about EV cost savings and environmental impact
Build an Ecosystem:
-
Encourage domestic manufacturing of EVs and batteries.
-
Promote innovation in battery recycling and energy storage.
-
Support startups and MSMEs building EV components or services.
Final Thoughts: Will EVs Survive This Time?
Yes — but only if we learn from the past.
The first wave of EVs failed not because they weren’t good, but because the ecosystem around them failed to evolve. Today, the stakes are higher for our climate, economy, and future.
By aligning innovation, policy, and consumer trust, the EV revolution can succeed — and stay.