The first automobile was built by dimler bens, which eventually owned mercedes. By the 18 nineties it's possible to build essentially a large tricycle and put an internal combustion engine in it. There were three technologies vying for supremacy: steam engines, gasolene or kerosene-powered cars.
After a huge false start, electric cars are finally about to flourish. We speak with a technology historian about this all-too-common story, and what it means for innovation everywhere.