The Hustle Daily Show Why electric cars became so popular (again)
7 snips
May 27, 2025 
In this discussion, Gary Arndt, host of Everything Everywhere Daily, takes us on a riveting journey through the history of electric vehicles, tracing their evolution from the 1800s to their modern revival, spotlighting key players like Tesla and BYD. He highlights the crucial advancements in battery technology and the role of AI in marketing. The conversation also touches on environmental impacts and the challenges of charging infrastructure, painting a vivid picture of why electric vehicles are surging in popularity today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Origins of EVs
- Electric vehicles (EVs) originated nearly 200 years ago, predating gasoline cars.
- Their simplicity made early adoption natural, as they require only a battery, motor, and wheels.
Why Gas Engines Dominated Early
- Internal combustion engines overtook EVs in early 20th century due to better range and refuel speed.
- Heavy lead-acid batteries limited early EV practicality despite their initial popularity.
Tesla "Insane Mode" Ride
- Gary experienced a Tesla's acceleration first hand in the Czech Republic during an Uber ride.
- The car's "insane mode" launch felt comparable to a nuclear aircraft carrier's rapid acceleration.