TED-Ed: The surprisingly long history of electric cars | Daniel Sperling and Gil Tal

The video explores the evolution of cars from 1899, highlighting the initial popularity of electric vehicles due to their ease of use compared to steam and gasoline cars. However, early electric cars faced challenges with inefficient batteries and high costs. The rise of the Model T and advancements in gasoline engines led to a decline in electric vehicles. Interest in electric cars revived in the 1970s due to oil concerns and environmental studies. Modern advancements in battery technology and regulatory mandates have led to a resurgence in electric vehicles, with companies like Tesla leading the charge. Electric vehicles are now seen as a key solution to climate change, with increasing adoption worldwide.

What was a major drawback of steam-powered cars in 1899?

• They were inexpensive.

• They were too fast.

• They were too quiet.

• They required a lot of water and time to start.

Why did electric vehicles face challenges in the early 20th century?

• They were too fast.

• They were banned in cities.

• They had inefficient and costly batteries.

• They were too noisy.

What innovation in gasoline cars helped reduce the need for hand cranking?

• Solar panels

• Electric starters

• Wind turbines

• Hydraulic brakes

What event in the 1970s renewed interest in electric vehicles?

• The invention of the internet

• Concerns about oil availability

• The launch of the first satellite

• The discovery of new planets

Which type of battery was introduced in the 1990s that helped electric vehicles?

• Nickel-metal hydride batteries

• Lead-acid batteries

• Alkaline batteries

• Zinc-carbon batteries

What was significant about Tesla's roadster introduced in 2008?

• It was powered by steam.

• It could travel over 320 kilometers on a single charge.

• It was the first hybrid car.

• It was the cheapest car available.

What percentage of car sales in Norway were plug-in electric vehicles in 2020?

• 75%

• 100%

• 50%

• 25%