Strange EVs: How did we get Here?

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution can point to this year, 2021, when things finally have started coming together. DC fast-charging, new EVs with good range capability, and close to affordable prices mean that the electrification of transportation is becoming a reality.

Before gasoline cars got a foothold, battery-powered cars were popular at the end of the 1890s and into the early 1900s, but by 1910 they had dropped off the radar. In the 1960s and 70s, interest in electrification had a slow rebirth. It took a long time, but after a few odd vehicles, and many false-starts, that interest did eventually bring us to today’s Tesla Models, Nissan Leafs, Porsche Taycans, and Chevrolet Bolts.

Here are some of the more interesting (and sometimes downright strange) EVs that helped start what is becoming a revolution.

Kevin Clemens is a Senior Editor with Battery Technology.