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How much did the first electric car cost?

In my U.S. History class, we studied a brief section about car history. It wasn’t covered in too much detail, and there’s so much more I want to learn! Can you tell me more about when the first electric car was made and how much it cost at the time?

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Elaine Duvet · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I agree! The auto industry is such an essential part of American history. It really helped shape our culture and continues to do so today!
Electric vehicles have been around for over 100 years. Here are some interesting facts about the cost of the first electric car:
  • In the late 1800s, England and France were the first to develop electric cars. In 1895, America joined the club.
  • The first commercial application took place in 1897 with a
    New York City
    taxi fleet.
  • The 1902 Wood’s Phaeton cost $2,000, with an 18-mile range and a maximum speed of 14 mph.
  • If you purchased a basic EV, you could get away with paying less than $1,000. However, most were meant for use by the upper crust and included luxury interiors and high-quality materials. By 1910, these carriages sold for about $3,000 a pop.
America also experimented with steam and gas vehicles, but between 1899 and 1900 electric cars dominated the automotive scene. Maybe this was because you didn’t have to start the car manually or didn’t have to deal with an annoying gear shifter (unlike gas-powered vehicles).
Now that you’re equipped with these fun facts, make sure you’re also equipped with the best car insurance policy on the market. No one wants a car mishap on their way to school, especially history class!
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MORE: Car History Legends: Founder, Racer, and Auto Designer Louis Chevrolet
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