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 issues. Modern advancements, including efficient batteries and regulatory support, have improved electric vehicles, making them a viable alternative to gasoline cars. The video concludes with the expectation that electric vehicles will dominate future car sales.

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

• They were too quiet.

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

• They were too fast.

• They were more expensive than electric cars.

Why did electric vehicles face challenges despite their popularity in the late 19th century?

• They were slower than steam-powered cars.

• They were not available in urban areas.

• They had inefficient and costly batteries.

• They were too noisy.

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

• Electric starters

• Rubber tires

• Automatic transmissions

• Fuel injection systems

What event in the 1970s helped renew interest in electric vehicles?

• The launch of the first electric car

• Concerns about oil availability

• The rise of steam-powered vehicles

• The invention of the hybrid car

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

• Solar batteries

• Alkaline batteries

• Nickel-metal hydride batteries

• Lead-acid batteries

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

• It was the cheapest electric car available.

• It was powered by steam.

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

• It was the first hybrid vehicle.

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

• 100%

• 75%

• 50%

• 25%