Who was the inventor of electric cars?

While the concept of electric vehicles has existed for over a century, the true inventor of the modern electric car is difficult to pinpoint as there were several engineers and inventors who made significant contributions in this field. Here are a few notable figures:

1. Thomas Davenport (1834):

Thomas Davenport, a blacksmith from Vermont, is often considered one of the earliest pioneers of electric cars. In 1834, he built a model electric car powered by non-rechargeable primary cells. Although it was not practical for everyday use, it demonstrated the potential of electric propulsion.

2. Gaston Planté (1859):

Gaston Planté, a French physicist, developed the first lead-acid battery in 1859. This invention paved the way for the development of practical electric vehicles, as it provided a rechargeable power source.

3. Camille Jenatzy (1899):

Camille Jenatzy, a Belgian racing driver and engineer, is credited with building and driving the first electric car to exceed 100 km/h (62 mph). In 1899, he set a world land speed record of 105.88 km/h (65.79 mph) in an electric car called the "Jamais Contente" (Never Satisfied).

4. Ferdinand Porsche (1898-1900):

Ferdinand Porsche, known for his contributions to automotive engineering, developed several electric vehicles while working for the Lohner Coach Factory in Vienna. His "Lohner-Porsche" electric car, showcased at the 1900 World Exposition in Paris, featured a hub-mounted electric motor design and achieved speeds of up to 56 km/h (35 mph).

5. Charles Kettering and Henry Ford (1912):

Charles Kettering, an American engineer, and Henry Ford, the automotive pioneer, collaborated to develop an electric starter for gasoline-powered cars. Their invention, introduced in the 1912 Ford Model T, made gasoline-powered cars easier to start and operate, reducing the need for electric vehicles at the time.

6. William Morrison (1890-1920):

William Morrison, an American inventor, developed several electric cars and founded the Morrison Electric Company. His contributions include improvements in battery technology and electric motor designs.

It's important to note that the development of electric vehicles was a collaborative effort involving numerous engineers, scientists, and inventors. While these individuals made significant contributions, the evolution of electric cars is a result of continuous advancements and innovations over many decades.