• Book a test drive
  • +44 01543 897013
  • [email protected]
RBW Classic Electric Cars | Individually Crafted Electric Sports Cars | Powered by ContinentalRBW Classic Electric Cars | Individually Crafted Electric Sports Cars | Powered by ContinentalRBW Classic Electric Cars | Individually Crafted Electric Sports Cars | Powered by ContinentalRBW Classic Electric Cars | Individually Crafted Electric Sports Cars | Powered by Continental
  • OUR STORY
  • INNOVATION
  • MODELS
    • RBW Roadster & GT
    • RBW Retro
    • RBW E to EV Type
  • BUILD YOURS
  • GALLERY
  • NEWS
    • Latest RBW News
    • Press
    • Sign up to our newsletter
  • B2B EV SOLUTIONS
  • START YOUR JOURNEY
0

The History of Electric Cars

RBW Classic Electric Sports Cars | The History of Electric Cars

Where did it all start for Electric cars?

RBW Classic Electric Sports Cars | The History of Electric Cars

Electric cars are a hot topic right now since the Government announced that the sale of cars powered only by petrol or diesel would end in 2030. But if you thought that EVs were a recent phenomenon, you might be surprised to learn their history dates back to the nineteenth century.

It was the early part of the 1800s that saw the development of rechargeable lead-acid batteries, and by 1884 Englishman, Thomas Parker, was driving around Wolverhampton in the first production electric car. Porsche’s first vehicle was electrified, too – the Lohner-Porsche appeared around 1900 – and in 1899 Camille Jenatzy and his ‘La Jamais Contente’ became the first road vehicle to exceed 62mph. And around the same time you could even hail an electric taxi cab in London.

RBW Classic Electric Sports Cars | The History of Electric Cars

1996 GM EV1

But let’s fast forward a few decades, because from the 1970’s to the 1990’s a number of car makers began experimenting with their own electric cars. They never really took off, though, mainly thanks to the limitations in performance and range but in 1996 General Motors launched its EV1. Claimed to be the first mass-produced electric car it was leased to a number of drivers in the US although most examples were crushed amidst claims that oil companies didn’t like this new technology stealing their business.

RBW Classic Electric Sports Cars | The History of Electric Cars

Just a year later most people’s first taste of electric motoring came in the form of the Toyota Prius, albeit in petrol/electric hybrid form, but in 2010 it was Nissan’s turn to begin something of a revolution. The LEAF would become the world’s best-selling pure electric car, and in the decade since it was launched the popularity of the EV has grown in a way that few could have imagined. And there’s Tesla, of course, the brainchild of Elon Musk and making cars that demonstrate that buyers can enjoy stunning performance as well as efficiency.

RBW Classic Electric Sports Cars | The History of Electric Cars

And then there’s classic cars. Loved by their owners, it’s now possible to have all the style and character of a classic only one powered by batteries rather than an engine. That’s what we set out to achieve with the RBW Electric Roadster. We’ve attracted interest from across the world and hope to encourage many more enthusiasts to make the leap from internal combustion to electric power.

Electric MGB: RBW EV Roadster is the latest electric classic car?

And not only is the RBW Roadster truly desirable but it also boasts an important point of difference compared to other classics that have been electrified. While the majority of those have been conversions of conventionally-powered vehicles, RBW’s car is fully designed and developed from the ground-up, so it is a pioneer in the field and the safest option in electric classic cars.

Let’s not forget the world of motorsport, either. Who would have imagined that the Formula E electric racing series launched in 2014 would become such a success, attracting the world’s best drivers and car makers? In fact, championship-winning cars have been engineered by Zytek Automotive, a part of Continental Engineering Services, who worked with RBW on the development of their classic EV.

RBW Classic Electric Sports Cars | The History of Electric Cars

Nissan Formula E season 7 driver Sebastien Buemi

So that’s some of the past, but let’s return to today. There’s never been a wider choice, with more models being announced almost every week, and no matter what sort of car you need, there’ll be one to suit your needs.

With cars powered solely by internal combustion coming to an end in 2030 the UK can look forward to a huge investment in EV engineering and infrastructure. Whether you want a modern car or one reflecting the very best of British classic motoring, the future looks very exciting indeed…

For further information:

Contact us on +44 01543 897013
or email [email protected]

For press and media enquiries
Contact Andrea Seed, Poppyseed Media
on +44 (0) 7812 010 765
or email [email protected]

Share
0

Related posts

RBW EV Cars
November 30, 2021

A message from Peter Swain, CEO of RBW EV Cars


Read more
tyres for your electric vehicle
November 11, 2021

Choosing the right tyres for your electric vehicle


Read more
EV Batteries
October 1, 2021

What to do with old EV batteries


Read more

RBW Classic Electric Cars | Individually Crafted Electric Sports Cars | Powered by Continental

RBW Classic Electric Cars | Individually Crafted Electric Sports Cars | Powered by Continental

INNOVATION
OUR MODELS
BUILD YOURS
B2B EV SOLUTIONS
START YOUR JOURNEY
TERMS & CONDITIONS
PRIVACY POLICY
FAQs

©2020 RBW Electric Classic Cars. All rights reserved.
0
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT