Considering Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training? A Brief History of the Electric Vehicle
Due to their increasing popularity in recent years, many believe that electric vehicles are fairly new to the market, but in fact, they’ve been centuries in the making. If you’re considering a career in the hybrid and electric vehicle industry, you may be interested in learning a little about the history of EVs. History tends to provide valuable insight into the future, and if you’re planning to advance your career in the EV market, this could help you strategize and build a future-proof career. Keep reading to learn about the first EV, the world events that prompted growth in the industry, and what the future might hold for electric vehicles and professionals in the field.
The First Electric Vehicles Were Designed in the 1800s
In 1837, Scottish Inventor Robert Anderson invented the first ever fully electric car with the ability to run off a single charge. Twenty years later, French physicist Gaston Planté developed the first electric vehicle with a rechargeable battery. If EVs were invented so long ago, why does it seem that they’ve only recently grown in popularity? Well, the widespread adoption of the combustion engine vehicle after the mass production of Henry Ford’s Model T vehicle eventually beat out electric vehicles for the same reasons gasoline-powered cars are more popular today – price and accessibility. In 1912, the average gasoline car cost about $650 compared to $1750 for electric vehicles. That being said, world events would eventually cause EVs to make a comeback.
Oil Crisis Causes Resurgence of EVs in The 1970s
If you’re considering hybrid and electrical mechanic training or any career path in the automotive industry, you’ll notice that world events have a significant impact on the choices industry leaders and consumers make. During the first half of the 20th century, abundance in the oil and gas industry meant fuel was cheap and easy to come by. As a result, little advancement was made in the EV industry during this time. However, in the 1970s, an unprecedented fuel shortage and soaring prices forced the automotive industry to reconsider electric vehicles. Still, EVs were unable to penetrate the market and stay relevant for long due to limited performance, prompting yet another dormant period for the industry.
The Reinvention of EVs in the 90s and Early 2000s
The introduction of Toyota’s Prius in 1997 was a turning point for the modern electric vehicle. It became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle and was an instant success, thanks to its impressive performance and some celebrity endorsements.
To appeal to luxury consumers, Tesla announced that it would produce a sports car that could run 322 km on a single charge, and the automaker was successful in doing so. To this day, Tesla vehicles remain among the bestselling EVs. As sustainability concerns continue to mount and consumers look for ways to cut emissions and costs, EVs have become more popular than ever. If you want to be a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic, you may wonder what the future holds for the industry.
The Future of EVs For a Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Mechanic
Going forward, automakers are working to create more accessible EVs for the everyday driver, improve the performance and user experience of modern EVs, and collaborate with governments to spur widespread adoption and improve charging infrastructure. As a result, there’s a need for skilled professionals who are well-versed in electric energy storage systems, EV repair, and manufacturing. You can join this quickly evolving industry and build a fulfilling career. Our introductory hybrid technology courses are the perfect place to start. Learn everything you need about safety and gain insight into the industry’s future.
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