Electric Cars Have Been Around Since The 1880s

[n122vu]

Now this is something I did not know. (The anti-establishment conspiracy theorists will love this one)

http://50thingstonotknow.blogspot.com/2006/12/electric-cars-have-been-around-since.html

Very interesting to know. What would the world be like today if electrics were given their due in R&D alongside gas-powered autos from the get-go?

 

[Schimz]

Nothing new. During 20th century, oil was less cheaper than electric.
Also, funny fact : did you know that ancient egyptians have discovered steam power ? But from their point of view, it was useless because of their slaves working force.

 

[n122vu]

Nothing new. During 20th century, oil was less cheaper than electric.
Also, funny fact : did you know that ancient egyptians have discovered steam power ? But from their point of view, it was useless because of their slaves working force.

Wow. Was unaware of that one as well. Do you have a reference for that? Would like to study that more. I have always been intrigued with the ancient Egyptians and their culture/technology.

Thanks,
n122vu

 

[willy88]

If I recall, electric trains have been around since the 1830s.

 

[GregBurch]

Actually, I think the reference to "steam power in the ancient world" is to this:

http://www.e-telescope.gr/en/cat05/art05_021129.htm

... see the third item. In the 1st century BC, when this was supposed to have happened, Alexandria was a thoroughly Greek city, though.

 

[Schimz]

Do you have a reference for that?

In a TV documentary. But I can't remember which one.

 

[Notebook]

Tesla knew what he was doing:-

http://www.teslamotors.com/

N.

 

[Andy44]

The electric vehicles of the 1880s were given their due. And they failed, just as all electric designs have failed since, and for the same reason. The batteries don't have the energy density of gasoline or diesel fuel, which means you have to carry lots of the heavy things to get any range, and they take all night to recharge, while a gas tank takes only five minutes to refill. The free market spoke, and electrics lost.

Technology has advanced, and today electrics are on the verge of making a comeback, due to new battery technology.

Maybe.

 

[GregBurch]

... [snip] today electrics are on the verge of making a comeback, due to new battery technology.

Maybe.

The day Elon IPOs Tesla, I shall place my bet.

 

[simonpro]

The day Elon IPOs Tesla, I shall place my bet.

I'm taking out a buy order on that, closely followed by a sell order. It'll be rediculous overvalueing after it's floated followed by a very substantial correction some time later once they all remember to take a breath.

Still, it's a much better idea than SpaceX, so he should be able to find a viable market for it.

 

[Andy44]

Still, it's a much better idea than SpaceX, so he should be able to find a viable market for it.

Oh, a cheap shot! Guess if I were you, Simonpro, I'd find it hard to resist! LOL

 

[simonpro]

Oh, a cheap shot! Guess if I were you, Simonpro, I'd find it hard to resist! LOL

Meh, I need to work on my self control.

 

[willy88]

Well, if not electric, then maybe hydrogen. Hydrogen is fairly easy to brew, and hydrogen vehicles can be juiced up in about the same amount of time as a gasoline vehicle.