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Home Car Advice Top Automotive Innovations of the Last Century – 2020s: Electric Vehicles Go Mainstream
At last, we arrive at modern-day vehicles, and it’s impressive how far things have come since 1926.
The 2020s have seen many historical events — COVID-19, chip shortages, and more. One of the most significant changes to the automotive landscape this decade has been the rise and development of electric vehicles (EVs).
Before the 2020s, there were really only a few players in the EV space, and one in particular that changed how we think about fully electric power for day-to-day transportation: Tesla.
As the decade has progressed, we’ve seen offerings from almost every major automotive manufacturer as they compete for product awareness in an ever-growing market. We’ve also seen development and progress in the electric vehicle space, with advancements in range, power, features, and reliability, signaling that automotive manufacturers are betting big on their future.
A report from the IEA (International Energy Agency) shows that EV sales worldwide have grown from under half a million in 2014 to almost 18 million in 2024, representing a staggering 3,500% increase over that period.
Kelley Blue Book’s parent company, Cox Automotive, has embraced this industry shift through EV Battery Solutions, helping the country further embrace electric vehicles by remanufacturing or recycling battery packs nationwide.
As we close out our thoughts on the Top 10 most important innovations of the last century, the ever-present question rises once again to the occasion: What’s next?
Time will tell, but rest easy knowing you have Kelley Blue Book on your side as The Trusted Resource, keeping you informed and prepared for whichever incredible innovations arrive at your driveway over the next century.
Sam Staudt is an Oklahoma City-based automotive senior editor and seasoned content creator with a decade of crafting videos and a passion for anything with four wheels. He has worked alongside automotive giants, including Ken Block, Kevin Hart, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, TJ Hunt, and Ryan Sheckler. He is an expert in leading creative teams to push the boundaries of artistic style while marrying it with functional information-based storytelling in the automotive space. When he’s not behind the camera or in the editing booth, Sam loves playing basketball and spending time with his wife, Cambry, and their two cats.
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