History of EVs
How the EV evolved over nearly 200 years
The electric vehicle may feel like a modern innovation, but its story stretches back almost 200 years. From experimental carriages and electric tricycles to today's advanced EVs, the technology has undergone countless reinventions along the way.
The history of the EV is a story of persistence, engineering breakthroughs, and changing transportation needs. While progress wasn't always straightforward, each milestone helped shape the electric vehicles we know today.
Here's a look at some of the milestones that helped shape the electric vehicle's journey from experimental invention to mainstream transport.
1828: A small model carriage starts it all off (Hungary)
While it's difficult to credit a single inventor with creating the first electric vehicle, many point to Hungarian engineer Ányos Jedlik. He fitted a small model carriage with an electric motor, creating what is widely considered one of the earliest examples of an EV. It may have been too small to carry passengers, but it helped lay the foundations for future innovation.
1830s: The idea gains momentum
The concept of electric-powered transport quickly spread. Scottish inventor Robert Anderson developed a battery-powered horseless carriage, while in the United States, Thomas Davenport demonstrated an electrically powered vehicle running on a track.
1881: A tricycle goes electric
French inventor Gustave Trouvé fitted a battery to a tricycle and successfully demonstrated it on the streets of Paris. It was one of the earliest examples of an electric vehicle operating in a public setting and showed that electric propulsion could move beyond experimental concepts. Unable to secure a patent for the design, Trouvé later turned his attention to marine propulsion.
1898: A familiar automotive name enters the story
Ferdinand Porsche, who would later establish one of the world's most iconic automotive brands, developed an electric vehicle known as the P1. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 km/h, it demonstrated the growing potential of electric mobility at the end of the nineteenth century.
1890s: A period of rapid innovation
By the late 19th century, electric vehicle development was gaining momentum across Europe and the United States. Inventors and engineers were exploring new applications for electric power, leading to advances in vehicle design and performance.
Part of the appeal was the limitations of competing technologies. Steam-powered vehicles could take significant time to get moving, while petrol-powered cars were often noisy, difficult to start and less refined. Electric vehicles offered a quieter, cleaner, and easier-to-drive alternative, making them an attractive option for many early motorists.
1899: Electric fleets arrive in major cities
Electric vehicles began appearing in commercial transport fleets, including electric taxis operating in London and New York. These services demonstrated that EVs could function at scale in busy urban environments and highlighted growing confidence in electric transport.
Early 20th century: The spark starts to flicker
Despite early success, electric vehicles began to lose momentum in the early 20th century. Mass-produced petrol vehicles, including Henry Ford's affordable Model T, made car ownership more accessible. At the same time, improvements in combustion engine technology, including the invention of the electric starter motor, made petrol vehicles easier to operate.
Combined with growing oil production and expanding fuel infrastructure, these developments helped petrol vehicles become the dominant choice for decades to come.
1990s: The EV comeback begins
After decades on the sidelines, electric vehicles began making a return. Manufacturers including General Motors, Toyota and Honda introduced modern EV models, while advances in battery technology helped improve performance and practicality.
A major breakthrough came with the development of lithium-ion batteries. Offering greater energy density and improved driving range, this technology helped lay the foundation for the modern electric vehicles we know today.
2016: A global milestone
Annual global EV sales surpassed one million vehicles for the first time, marking a significant moment in the transition towards electric mobility and signaling growing demand around the world.
Present day: The electric era accelerates
Nearly two centuries after the first electric carriage, EVs have evolved from an experimental concept into a mainstream transport option. Drivers today can choose from a growing range of electric vehicles supported by expanding charging networks and continual advances in battery technology.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electric car sales exceeded 20 million in 2025, accounting for one in four new cars sold worldwide. This growth highlights the increasing role EVs are playing in the future of transport.
2020s: EV adoption accelerates in New Zealand
As electric vehicles become more mainstream, more New Zealanders are making the switch. Increased model availability, improvements in charging technology, and the continued expansion of public charging infrastructure are helping make EV ownership easier than ever.
From city commuting to exploring New Zealand's extensive road network, EVs are becoming an increasingly practical option for drivers across the country.
The journey continues
The story of the electric vehicle is one of innovation, resilience and continuous evolution. From early experiments in the 1800s to today's rapidly growing EV market, each milestone has contributed to the development of electric mobility.
And with technology continuing to advance, charging networks continuing to expand and EV adoption growing around the world, the next chapter of the story is still being written.