Abstract

The American electric vehicle has been developing over almost a 150-year period, and it has irreversibly changed the course of American car culture and livelihood. In recent years, the electric vehicle has garnered unprecedented attention and investment in manners foreign to the automobiles of old, which began late in the 19th century. With global interest and commitment to environmental sustainability rising and breakthroughs in automation and connectivity technology, the American electric vehicle has become a hotbed of innovation and change. Accordingly, this independent study will explore the broader history of the American electric vehicle and its complex intricacies. The question of how and why the first wave of electric vehicles were conceived, produced, marketed, and failed will be thoroughly examined. Additionally, this paper aims to provide reasoning as to why electric vehicles stagnated for forty years in the American automobile industry and why it was able to revive. A further focus will be placed on the role the electric vehicle has in continuing to thrive in the American automobile market, along with the changes associated with sustained growth.

Advisor

Sene, Ibra

Department

History

Keywords

American History, Automobile, Electric Vehicle, Environmental Legislation

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2024 Kai H. Leisher