Many people assume electric vehicles are a recent invention tied to modern brands. In reality, the technology has roots reaching back almost two centuries.
Early milestones
In 1827, Hungarian inventor Ányos Jedlik designed a direct current motor. By 1828, he placed this motor on a small board to create the first electric model vehicle. Shortly after, between 1832 and 1839, Scottish inventor Robert Anderson built a carriage capable of carrying passengers.
Progress continued in the late 19th century. British inventor Thomas Parker built an electric car in 1884. In 1888, German inventor Andreas Flocken introduced the Flocken Elektrowagen, which reached speeds of 9 miles per hour.
The rise of electric taxis
By the 1890s, electric vehicles were common in major cities across Europe and the United States. New York City operated over 100 electric taxis by 1899. These Electrobat taxis could travel 25 miles at a top speed of 15 miles per hour. They even utilized a battery swapping system that took only 3 minutes to complete.
Electric vehicles are now the future of the global automotive industry.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
