1832-1839
The Scot Robert Anderson builds the first electrical traction coach.
1834
Thomas Davenport, USA, builds the first railway vehicle with an electric engine (DC).
1888
The German Andreas Flocken builds the first real electric car on four wheels.
1897
The first electric taxi service is employed in New York, with electric cars made by Pope Manufacturing Co.
1899
On 29th April, the electric car prototype “Jamais Contente”, produced in France by Camille Jenatzy, breaks the speed record on track, reaching 105km/h.
1900
In the USA, the 28% of the vehicles used on urban trails is electric.
1908
The world famous Ford T is placed on the market.
1909
The Italian STAE puts on the market an electric car of 10 horsepower and a range of circa 80km.
1912
Electric start is introduced on endothermic cars, permanently removing the hand-crank method. At the same time, electric vehicles sold in the world are 30.000.
1930-1935
The electric car has lost substantial market share, overtaken by internal combustion engines and by the serious reduction of the petrol price.
1947
As a result of the post-war restrictions, the unaffordable price of petrol brings Tama's electric car back in favour.
1966
USA government introduces laws which ease the production of electric cars as a way of reducing environmental pollution.
1973
Opec embargo and Yom Kippur war, with the resulting staggering rise of the petrol cost, bring electric traction back to the heart of mobility debate.
1976
The French government sends out the “PREVIT” programme, coordinated by Edf, accelerating, in this way, the investments in R&D linked to EV technology development.
1990
In Turin, FIAT begins the experimental production of Panda Elettra, a car with lead-batteries.
1996
General Motors, after having sent out the Californian project “Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate”, produces and distributes the EV1.
1997
Toyota launches on the market its Prius, the first commercial hybrid car. During the first year on the market, more than 18.000 vehicles are sold all over the world.
2004
Tesla Motors starts developing its Roadster project, placed on the market in 2008.
2007
GM starts the production of its Chevrolet Volt.
2008
Oil price reaches 145$ per barrel.
2010
Nissan places its LEAF on the market .
2011
Autolib, the most extended car sharing service, is launched in Paris, introducing 3000EVs. The electric vehicles circulating in the world are now 50.000. Nissan's Leaf wins the coveted “European Car of the Year” price.
2012
The electric cars circulating all over the world are now 180.000.