We're fast approaching the bicentennial of the first ever electric car, created by Robert Anderson in around 1832, when vehicles could only manage around 12km in an hour on disposable batteries. Electric was seen as a viable quiet and clean alternative to steam, and underwent continued improvement over the course of a century, including having support from Thomas Edison and Ferdinand Porsche. Then, in the early 20th century, cheap oil became the preferred fuel.
However, in 1973, part driven by environmental concerns, and part by soaring oil prices with the oil embargo, the US Environmental Protection Agency hosted the First Symposium on Low Pollution Power Systems Development. Small electric vehicles were demonstrated to the public, re-igniting (for want of a better term) an interest that had been lacking for more than half a century. Unfortunately, vehicles at the time, such as the Sundancer Electric Car pictured here, had a very limited range, and looked a lot more high performance than they actually were. 80km range, and a top speed of 80kph, were about par for these early "modern" EVs.
It took another 17 years before GM's EV1 sparked interest once again in the EV market. Then, after a similar period of inactivity and disinterest (except for Toyota and Honda hybrids), the EV industry was given a boost by an announcement from a Silicon Valley Startup... that was of course Tesla. Now, more and more electric vehicles are appearing on the market each month, with an ever increasing range between charges, and quicker charging times. The longest ranged electric vehicles on the market are capable of over 500 miles (800km) on a single charge, which if that was a real world achieved range you could get from Wellington to Auckland, and then continue to Whangarei before you need to charge (admittedly with your heart in your mouth and requiring nerves of steel).
With ever more new electrical vehicle entrants into the market, and recent introductions from some slow to move established manufacturers, the EV scene is getting very interesting.
