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What was the point of making electric cars?

These days, electric cars seem like a good option because of the high cost of gas, but why was the electric car invented in the first place? What was the point of making an electric car?

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Allison Stone · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Throughout history, both consumers and engineers have been interested in electric-powered vehicles for a variety of reasons. A few examples include:
  • High gas prices. As you said, the high cost of gas today drives much of EV interest, but it isn’t the first time in history that gas prices have spiked. In the 1960s and 70s, high oil prices and gasoline shortages resulting from the 1972 Arab oil embargo created a heightened interest in electric cars.
  • Use in mining. In the late 1800s, engineers started using electric-powered trains to transport coal out of mines because they did not burn up any of the much-needed oxygen within the mine.
  • Reducing smoke and pollution. While this is still a driving factor behind the manufacture of electric cars today, the smoke and pollution caused by gas and coal-powered vehicles in London in the 1880s were having dire health effects on the local population.
As you can see, people have looked toward electric power as a cleaner and more efficient form of energy for some time now, and it is the main driving factor behind electric vehicle production today.
While driving an electric car can be a great choice for the environment, it can still be expensive for consumers. Not only will drivers need to install a charger at home, but
car insurance
rates for EVs tend to be higher due to their specialized parts.
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MORE: EVs Will Start To Take Over Sooner Than You Expect
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