Molly Ayala
The development of electric transit systems was made possible by several key inventions and technological advancements. The history of electric vehicles dates back to the early 19th century, with pioneers such as Robert Anderson, Ányos Jedlik, and Thomas Davenport creating early electric carriages and motors. The advent of rechargeable batteries in the mid-19th century by the French inventor Gustave Trouvé, marked a significant milestone, paving the way for the first practical electric cars. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a flurry of innovations, including the work of Thomas Parker in England, who deployed electric-powered trams and built prototype electric cars. The electrification of urban railways, such as the London Underground and the City & South London Railway, improved air quality and demonstrated the advantages of electric traction over steam power. The invention of the electric starter by Charles Kettering in 1912 addressed the challenges associated with hand-cranking gasoline engines, making gasoline-powered vehicles more appealing to consumers. Despite setbacks and competition from gasoline cars, electric vehicles persisted and found niche applications, particularly in urban settings, due to their quiet operation, ease of use, and lack of pollutant emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric motor | The advent of the electric motor and rechargeable batteries made electric vehicles possible. |
| Electric starter | The invention of the electric starter by Charles Kettering in 1912 eliminated the need for hand-cranking gasoline cars. |
| Electric-powered trams | Inventor Thomas Parker helped deploy electric-powered trams and built prototype electric cars in England around 1884. |
| Electric transit systems | Electric transit systems enabled workers to live in suburbs, influencing the structure of American cities. |
| Mass production of gas-powered vehicles | The mass production of gas-powered vehicles by Henry Ford made them more affordable than electric vehicles. |
| Innovations in electricity generation | Innovations in electricity generation and electric motors made electric transit feasible. |
| Suspension bridges | Suspension bridges, such as the Brooklyn Bridge, enhanced transportation by linking communities across waterways and boosting trade and mobility. |
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What You'll Learn
Innovations in electricity generation and the electric motor
One notable innovation in electric motor technology is the introduction of brushless DC motors (BLDC). BLDC motors offer several advantages over traditional brushed motors by eliminating the need for physical brushes in transferring electrical energy to the rotor. Instead, they employ electronic commutation controlled by a microcontroller, resulting in reduced friction and electrical losses, leading to higher efficiency and improved energy conservation.
Another area of innovation in electricity generation is the development of renewable energy sources. Hydroelectric dams, for instance, have been used for decades and continue to contribute significantly to global electricity supply. By harnessing water pressure, hydroelectric plants can generate vast amounts of power, currently accounting for nearly a quarter of the world's electricity. Similarly, wind turbines convert wind energy into electrical power, feeding it into the electric grid to power numerous homes and businesses.
Solar power, while often supplemental, is gaining traction as a clean and adaptable energy source. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity, and some individuals even use rechargeable batteries to store solar-generated electricity for off-grid use. Nuclear power, while non-renewable, has also played a role in making energy cheaper and more efficient through nuclear fission, particularly with the use of uranium-235.
In the context of electric vehicles, advancements in electric motor technology have addressed challenges related to heat management. High-power electric motors often incorporate liquid cooling systems, circulating coolant to prevent overheating. Direct oil cooling, where the motor windings are submerged in oil, is employed in some high-performance EVs to enable higher power output without risking thermal damage. Integrated heat sinks in modern motor designs further enhance cooling efficiency.
The development of next-generation electric motors, such as the Armeva project, aims to reduce the reliance on rare earth magnets, which are costly, often unsustainably mined, and susceptible to supply shortages. By utilising the principle of reluctance, the Armeva technology harnesses the movement of a flux-seeking object within a magnetic field to transform electricity into mechanical power. This approach has demonstrated promising results in electric vehicle applications, offering comparable performance while addressing cost and supply chain concerns.
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Development of rechargeable batteries
The development of rechargeable batteries has been crucial in making electric transit possible. The history of electric vehicles (EVs) dates back to the early 19th century, with the first electric cars appearing before their internal combustion counterparts. However, early electric vehicles used non-rechargeable batteries, limiting their practicality.
The invention of rechargeable batteries in the mid-19th century was a significant milestone. In 1859, batteries that could be recharged became available, making the concept of electric cars more viable. This development sparked the imagination of inventors, who began to explore the possibilities of electric transportation.
One of the pioneers in this field was French inventor Gustave Trouvé, who tested the world's first human-carrying electric vehicle in Paris in 1881. He fitted a small electric motor developed by Siemens with a recently developed rechargeable battery, powering an English James Starley tricycle. Trouvé's successful test marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of electric transportation.
Another key figure in the history of electric vehicles is English inventor Thomas Parker. In 1884, Parker built his first electric car in Wolverhampton, England. Parker's interest in fuel efficiency and concerns about pollution in London motivated him to experiment with electric vehicles. He played a significant role in electrifying the London Underground and tramways in Liverpool and Birmingham. The Elwell-Parker Company, established in 1882, manufactured electric trams and held a virtual monopoly on the British electric car market in the 1890s.
In the United States, the first successful electric car debuted around 1890, thanks to William Morrison, a chemist from Iowa. His six-passenger vehicle, capable of a top speed of 14 miles per hour, sparked interest in electric vehicles across the country. By 1900, electric cars were at their peak, accounting for around a third of all vehicles on the road. However, the widespread adoption of gasoline-powered vehicles in the early 20th century, driven by mass production and declining prices, led to a decline in the popularity of electric cars.
Despite these challenges, the development of rechargeable batteries played a crucial role in the evolution of electric transit. The advantages of electric vehicles, such as their quiet operation, ease of use, and lack of pollutant emissions, continued to attract innovators and consumers. Today, with growing concerns about environmental sustainability and advancements in electric vehicle technology, there is a renewed interest in making electric transit more accessible and affordable.
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Electric starter invention
Electric starters were invented by Charles Franklin Kettering, an American engineer born in 1876. Kettering invented the first electrical ignition system and the self-starter for automobile engines, along with the first practical engine-driven generator. Kettering's electrical ignition system was first introduced in a Cadillac in 1911 or 1912 and patented in 1915. The invention of the electric starter motor eliminated the need for hand-cranking, making automobiles easier and safer to operate. By the 1920s, electric self-starters had become standard in nearly every new automobile.
Kettering was a prolific inventor, obtaining around 140 patents over his lifetime. He worked at the National Cash Register Company, where he helped develop the first electric cash register. Along with businessman Edward A. Deeds, he founded the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO), which designed equipment for automobiles. In 1916, Kettering sold DELCO to General Motors (GM), becoming vice president and head of research at GM from 1920 to 1947. During his time at GM, he was instrumental in developing improved engines, quick-drying automobile paints, "anti-knock" fuels, and variable-speed transmissions, among other innovations.
The invention of the electric starter was significant in the history of electric cars. Electric cars first appeared in the 1830s, with Scotland's Robert Anderson building a motorized carriage between 1832 and 1839. However, batteries at the time were not yet rechargeable, limiting their practicality. Rechargeable batteries were invented in 1859, and in the late 19th century, inventors like Thomas Parker in England and William Morrison in Iowa, US, began developing electric-powered trams and cars.
The advent of the electric starter helped address the "hand-crank problem" for gas cars, boosting the electric car industry during World War I when gasoline prices rose and fuel availability became uncertain. However, by the mid-1920s, gasoline-powered cars had gained dominance, and most electric car makers had either converted to internal combustion engines or gone out of business. Nonetheless, electric cars continued to find a niche, especially for low-speed and short-range uses in urban areas.
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Electric-powered trams and trains
One of the earliest electric vehicles was created by Hungarian priest and physicist Ányos Jedlik, who in 1828, invented an early type of electric motor and a small model car powered by it. Crude electric carriages were also invented in the late 1820s and 1830s, with Scottish inventor Robert Anderson developing a notable example between 1832 and 1839. In 1835, Professor Sibrandus Stratingh of Groningen, Netherlands, and his German assistant, Christopher Becker, created a small-scale electric car powered by non-rechargeable primary cells.
The invention of rechargeable batteries in 1859 was a significant milestone, making electric vehicles more viable. In 1881, French inventor Gustave Trouvé tested the first human-carrying electric vehicle with its own power source in Paris. He improved the efficiency of a small electric motor developed by Siemens and fitted it to an English James Starley tricycle.
In the late 19th century, inventors in England and the United States built some of the first practical electric cars. English inventor Thomas Parker played a crucial role in electrifying tramways in Liverpool and Birmingham and built his first electric car in Wolverhampton in 1884. In the U.S., chemist William Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa, built an electric carriage in 1887, which made its public debut in a city parade in 1888. Morrison's vehicle had a top speed of 20 mph and a range of 50 miles between recharges.
The electrification of urban railways also contributed to the advancement of electric-powered trains. The City & South London Railway, which opened in 1890, was the first electrified underground urban railway. It utilized electric traction, which proved to be more efficient, faster, and cleaner than steam power, making it ideal for trains running in tunnels.
The development of multiple-unit train control (MUTC) by American inventor Frank J. Sprague in 1897 was a major breakthrough for electrically driven rapid transit. MUTC allowed all the motors in a train to be controlled from a single point, freeing rapid transit systems from their dependence on locomotive-hauled coaches.
These inventions and advancements in electricity generation, electric motors, and battery technology paved the way for the emergence of electric-powered trams and trains, transforming urban commuting and influencing the structure of cities.
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Electric cars
The history of electric cars goes back to the early 19th century, with several prototypes of the world's first electric car being developed between 1828 and 1839. However, these early attempts faced several challenges, including the lack of a rechargeable power source and a fully developed electric engine. Despite these setbacks, the pursuit of electric mobility continued, and by the late 19th century, several key inventions and improvements paved the way for the development of practical electric vehicles.
One of the critical inventions that made electric transit possible was the development of rechargeable batteries. In 1859, French physicist Gaston Planté invented the first rechargeable lead-acid battery, providing a viable means for storing electricity on board a vehicle. This breakthrough in battery technology was further improved by French scientist Camille Alphonse Faure in 1881, who increased the battery's capacity and enabled its industrial-scale manufacture.
Another important development was the creation of the first practical electric vehicles. Around 1890, American inventor William Morrison created a self-propelled electric carriage, which could carry up to 12 people and had a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Morrison's vehicle sparked the imagination of other inventors and helped generate interest in electric vehicles. By 1900, electric cars were at their heyday, accounting for around a third of all vehicles on the road.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, automotive inventions flourished, and electric cars competed with steam and gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the introduction of mass-produced gasoline cars, such as Henry Ford's Model T, dealt a blow to the widespread adoption of electric cars. Gasoline-powered cars became widely available and affordable, while electric vehicles struggled with high costs, low top speeds, and limited range.
Despite the challenges, electric cars continued to find niche applications, especially in urban centers where their low-speed and short-range capabilities were adequate. The development of hybrid vehicles in the late 20th century and the growing concerns about climate change further boosted the evolution of electric cars. Today, electric vehicles are gaining popularity again, with governments and businesses promoting sustainable transport options and committing to reducing emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the first electric vehicles were motorized carriages built by Scotland's Robert Anderson between 1832 and 1839. Gustave Trouve tested the first human-carrying electric vehicle with its own power source in Paris in 1881.
Rechargeable batteries were invented in 1859, making electric cars more viable. By 1884, Thomas Parker helped deploy electric-powered trams and built prototype electric cars in England.
Electric cars were quiet, easy to drive, and did not emit pollutants. They were popular with urban residents, especially women, and were perfect for short trips around the city.
In the early 20th century, electric cars became less popular due to their high cost, low top speed, and short range compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. The mass production of gasoline-powered vehicles by Henry Ford made them widely available and affordable.
