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Was electricity invented before the car?

I suppose this is one of those questions—what came first, the chicken or the egg? In this case, was electricity invented before the car?

avatar
Chanice Boyd · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Both electricity and cars were invented centuries ago, but electricity preceded the invention of the
first car
.
Many of us have heard the story of Benjamin Franklin discovering electricity in 1752. Ben was out flying a kite during a thunderstorm—as one usually does. A metal key was tied to the kite’s string, and just as he suspected, electricity from the storm flowed down the wet string, shocking young Ben and causing the discovery of electricity.
Over a century later, Carl Benz sought to solve another problem. One of faster and more convenient transportation. In 1886, Benz applied for the patent for a “vehicle powered by a gas engine.” It was a three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car, model 1. This was the beginning of a large and lucrative industry.
Today, the two have merged. Electric cars are becoming more and more common. One day they’ll dominate the transportation world. Regardless of which car you drive, gasoline or electric, you’ll need great insurance to drive on American roads.
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