When we think of electric cars we almost instantly picture fancy futuristic, battery-powered vehicles that we can drive with abandon. While electric cars continue rising in popularity today, they were introduced more than 100 years ago. However, the first electric vehicles were a far cry from the trendy ones we are used to seeing on the roads today.
The history of the invention of the electric car can’t exactly be traced back to one inventor or country. In fact, it was a series of breakthroughs in the 1800s that helped drive the first electric vehicle on the road. These cars were popular then for exactly the same reason they are popular now – they helped people save money at the pump. From the making of the first battery to the electric motor, many noted inventors and engineers contributed towards designing the early electric car.
French inventor Gustave Trouvé is widely regarded as the man who developed the first electric vehicle in history. His electric tricycle had a rechargeable battery and was first tested along the Rue Valois in Paris central in 1881. Then, in 1890-91, William Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa, gave the United States its first electric car. The vehicle had the capacity for carrying six passengers and could reach a speed of 23 kilometers per hour (14 mph).
Since then, several other inventors improved upon the electric car designs. In the late 1890s and early 1900s, electric battery-powered cars became quite popular among the common folk, and sales of these wagons particularly peaked in the early 1910s. Now, it is likely that your interest in these early electric cars must have increased. Here is a look, then, at some fascinating pictures of classy vintage electric cars in history.
Image source - Wikimedia Commons
Image source - Wikimedia Commons
Image source - Wikimedia Commons
Image source - Wikimedia Commons
Image source - Wikimedia Commons
Image source - Reddit/ r/TheWayWeWere
Image source - Wikimedia Commons
Related article: History's 7 Oldest Vehicles You Must Know About
Image source - Wikimedia Commons
Image source - Twitter/ Parkings Marquesinas
15 Candid Snapshots of the Past That Feel Surreal Now
Let's take a look at some fascinating vintage photos that give us a fascinating glimpse of what life used to be in the past.
How Would It Feel To Drive The World's First Car? Find Out
Looking at vintage cars is fascinating, isn't it? Here you will get to see what it feels like to drive the replica of the world's first car.
Welcome to the World of Beautiful Vintage Cars - 16 Pics
Check out this collection of beautiful vintage cars.
You Will Love This Collection of Rare Historical Photos
This amazing collection of vintage photographs will give you a unique glimpse of the past.
Why Was the Ford Pinto Such a Controversial Car?
Ford Pinto was once the most popular cars in the United States but it soon turned out to be the most controversial one as well...
This Might Have Been the Strangest Aircraft Ever Built
The Fairey Rotodyn was a remarkable aircraft that could have transformed air travel forever. What happened to it?
The Golden Age of Two Wheels: Exploring Classic Motorbikes
Today, let’s ride back to the past and explore some of the most iconic motorcycles in history.
You Feel like Royalty Inside These 10 Exotic Trains
Hop aboard some of the most luxurious train rides of the world in this video.
All Aboard the Fastest Steam Trains in Locomotive History!
Who doesn't feel a child-like nostalgic thrill when encountering a great, big steam engine? And these are the 18 fastest in locomotive history. Enjoy!
It's Crazy That These Highly Valuable Cars Were Abandoned!
It's incredible to think that these highly valuable cars were forgotten about in garages and barns for so long. Check out these incredible barn find cars.
Unique Classic Cars of Exceptional Historical Value
These are the some of finest specimens of automobile design, the classic shapes and timeless look of which can leave no one indifferent
8 Fascinating Facts from the World of Vehicles
We have collected 8 fascinating facts you may not have known about cars.
Some People Have the Strangest Cars...
Photos of some of the most bizarre automobiles you've ever seen.
The Very First Models of Famous Car Brands
Photos of the first models of these 10 well-known car manufacturers, so you can get an idea of where they came from and where they are now...
Come and See the Largest Cruise Ship in the World
Join us as we explore this gigantic cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, and what this huge ship is all about.
“What Did You Do to Your Car?!” – Bizarre Modifications
These car modifications have gone out of hand!
The Great Lakes Claimed Many Ships - Here Are 7 Of Them
The Great Lakes used to be America's busiest highways. Unfortunately, it wasn't always smooth sailing. Here are the stories of 7 shipwrecks haunting the lakes.
Step Inside the Cockpits of These Amazing Planes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get behind the controls of some of the most exciting planes and helicopters ever built? Well wonder no more!
These Are Some of the Most Unusual Trains Ever Made
Join us on a fascinating journey of history’s most unusual trains.
20 Most Unusual Vehicles You Won't Believe Actually Exist
So, which one of these weird cars would you like to drive?
These Wonderful Cars Put Japan On the Automotive Map
Just because Japan took a while to catch up to the European manufacturers, it doesn't mean that they didn't produce some great cars along the way. Take a look.
James Bond's Best 15 Cars, Boats and Planes!
James Bond is a movie icon, but the super-spy would not have been half as effective without his fleet of luxury vehicles armed with his signature gadgets.
These Ships Were Sailing Long Before You Were Born
Some of the world's oldest ships still capable of sailing the seas today are much older than you'd imagine. Discover the oldest ships still afloat in the world.
Lost in Time: The Forgotten Flying Wing…
Let's take a look at the forgotten flying wing aircraft that was decades ahead of its time.
12 of the Weirdest Things Car Mechanics Saw on the Job
Turns out car mechanics regularly spot all kinds of crazy things on the job. Take a look at these 12 highlights
These Stunning Cars Were Sold at Unbelievable Prices
These classic cars are beautiful, but you need very deep pockets if you ever fancy getting hold of one of them.
Only One Car Was Ever Named 'The Ghost'. This is Why...
This may look like some modern re-creation, but this plexiglass Pontiac 'ghost car' model was created in 1939...
Oh Dear! How Did THAT Happen?
35 Awesome photos of people with no parking skills what so ever...
These Cold-War Military Jets Are Amazing Pieces of Work
These airplanes saw action during the extremely tense cold war. Looking at how big and powerful they are, it's a god send things didn't spiral out of control!
"Rare & Expensive" Doesn't Do These Muscle Cars Justice...
Rare and expensive are terms that don't do these muscle cars justice. Some are completely unique, while others actually started legends. Here they are!
Crazy! I Have Never Seen Vehicles Loaded Like This Before
I thought I had overloaded my car before, and been on some crowded buses and trains. But I have never seen anything like these overcrowded vehicles!
This Daredevil Motorcyclist Will Leave You Petrified!
Get ready to watch one of the most dangerous acts ever performed on TV, as a stunt motorcyclist performs a dangerous routine around Howie Mandel.
I Wish They Still Made Cars Like These Classic Hot Rods
Hot rodders spend their spare time fixing and transforming classic cars. See the stunning cars their dedication has produced.
This Subway Train Has a Beautiful Secret Inside...
What looks like a regular subway from the outside, offers a suddenly luxurious experience inside!
Invisible Warfare: Impressive Stealth Aircrafts!
The most advanced stealth airplanes around the world are a technological marvel.
Do You Know the Most Important Airplanes Ever?
The invention of human flight, and the progress made ever since then has seen many a significant airplane. Here are 14 of the most important in history.
These Are the 10 of the Fastest Trains On the Planet...
Trains are a huge part of how we get things from place to place. But which are the fastest, and why is that?
The Exquisite Car Making of Eras Gone By...
Fortunately for all you car aficionados we gathered images of many of the museum's cars so that you can see these incredible masterpieces of mechanical work for yourself.
10 Groundbreaking Cars that Changed the Auto Industry
There have been many innovative cars that have come to market over the decades, however these 10 cars were revolutionary. Take a look at these 10 game-changers.
Maintain Your Car's Value Longer With These Top Tips
Cars often decrease in value over the years, but these tips will ensure that your car value will be maintained.
I Thought I'd Seen it All... Until I Saw These Cars...
These owners must have spent a fortune putting their strange creations together on wheels.
Presenting 15 of the Biggest Airplanes Ever Built
These are the biggest and juiciest airplanes every piloted. I bet you'd love to ride on one of these beauties!
Paul Allen's Collection of WWII Planes Is Staggering!
This amazing group of planes was amassed by billionaire Paul Allen. These incredibly rare WWII fighters can be enjoyed by the general public. Take a look.
11 People Who Took Automobile Customization Way too Far
A collection of funny pictures of over-the-top car modifications
Rolling Sculptures: The Most Beautiful Art Deco Cars Ever
The art deco era arguably gave rise to the most beautiful cars ever built. Let's take a journey back in time and see 12 of these extraordinary vehicles.
The Eighth Wonder: How the Panama Canal Works
The Panama Canal is an engineering wonder, see how it was built and how it works here