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A series of breakthroughs in the 1800's lead to the first electric vehicle (EV). Earlier in the century, Hungarian, Dutch and American innovator began concepting with batterie and created some small scale EV's. (ENERGY.GOV)
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More practical EV's were built by French and English engineers in the late 19th century. (ENERGY.GOV)
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The first sucessful EV created was in 1890 by William Morrison who was a chemist from Iowa. The EV was capable of six passengers of a top speed of 14 MPH. (ENERGY.GOV)
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Ferdinand Porsche, founder of yes, Porsche. He created an EV called the P1 and also made a hybrid. Thomas Edison was now wanting to create a better, longer lasting bettery for electric cars.
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EV's from some manufacturers began showing more in the U.S. The EV heyday was in the 1900's. 1/3 of all vehicles were electric. Even NYC taxi service had 60 of them. Strong sales continued the next 10 years.
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The gasoline powered car became a big compeditor of the electric car because of improvements with combustion engines. However EV's were quiet and easy to use/make and gasling cars were the complete opposite.
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This turned to become very popular among women in cities. Especially in the 1910's when more people had electricity.
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It was because Henry Ford created the production line and the Model T, which was a third the cost of an EV during that time.
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Henry Ford who was friends of Edison explored options and partnered with each other to create a low cost EV.
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By this time little to no EV's were in production becaus eof the Model T.
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Soaring oil prices start to bring back the development of EV's. GM created a concept and NASA created an electric Lunar Rover.
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Supports EV's popularity.
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Also supports EV's.
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Had a range of 60+ miles.
GM developed EV1 with range of 80 miles & 0-50 in 7 sec.
Discontinued 2001. -
The Toyota Prius in 1997 brought around a big step in EV's because it is a hybrid system with 30 MPG and the use of the nickel metal hydride battery. Helped developed research in EV range & hybrids.
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A silicon valley startup. With Tesla Motors producing the 'Tesla Roadster' a luxury electric sports car that can reach 125 MPH and 200 mile range.
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Tesla received a $465 million load from the Energy Program Office. (Gov. organization). A load that Tesla repaid 9 years early. Now it has become the largest automaker in California.
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There was a problem (and still somewhat of a problem) with the electric car infrastructure. Charging stations weren't that common. The Energy Department invested $115 million in building EV stations and infrastructure. Tesla has design a 'supercharger' that can charge it's vehicles in 1 hour to 100%.
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Today, Tesla makes the MODEL S and as of OCT, 2015 the MODEL X. The MODEL S P85D (Performance 85 kilowatt hour Dual electric motor system) can achieve 250 miles range AND 0-62 MPH in 3.1 seconds and can seat SEVEN people. It was the best car that consumer reports ever tested.
