From Ford Model T to steam powered automobiles to gasoline guzzlers to hybrid cars and finally the electric cars, car manufacturers are constantly developing auto technology to match market needs. The exploratory and adventurous nature of mankind has never stopped developing alternative fuels to drive our cars, with the lesser known types of alternative fuels being recycled vegetable oil, biodiesel, and even water. Global car manufacturers are racing with the broken ozone to produce an environmentally friendly, affordable and functionally sound car to meet our needs.

Enter the electric car. The never say die attitude of the car manufacturers have revived the electric car concept yet again with an enhanced battery technology which could well catapult the electric car into the Auto Land orbit. Let us trace the evolution of the arduous tracks of the electric car to understand better this potential car of the future.

Cleaner Air For All

In the height of the green revolution, the electric car was the star concept in a stellar way. Touted to give zero fumes emission into the environment, and zero fuel consumption, the electric car concept was a win win proposition for both the environmentalists as well as car drivers. Imagine the bliss of being liberated from the pains of fuel costs, and yet not being able to breathe easy. Alas, as with any innovation, comes its fair share of roadblocks. The key setback of the electric car surfaced as drivers and car manufacturers realized the utter inconvenience of recharging the batteries of the electric car, which is essentially what drives it. And this key aspect came close to killing the electric car concept then.

The Flaw That Nearly Shelved The Electric Car For Good.

NiMH used in electric cars back then was the key reason that had gotten the electric car concepts shelved by many a car maker. NiMH battery life was short and required recharging almost after every 50 miles. The great inconvenience caused to busy drivers in terms of waiting time was not a consideration in the initial concept. And to top this off, limited recharging stations and long waiting time for recharging became a great put off for many car drivers and they soon gave up their dream for a greener environment for the more convenience gasoline guzzlers. But car manufacturers pushed on. » Read more: Real Commercialization of the Electric Car