498. In the 1890s, the Best-Selling Car Was … Electric

Tom Standage, a technology historian and deputy editor at The Economist, explores the fascinating history of electric cars, which were once the best-sellers of the 1890s. He discusses their early popularity, the societal challenges that hindered their growth, and the stories behind the GM EV1's rise and fall. Standage draws parallels between failed innovations in tech and athletics, emphasizing resilience and cyclical progress. He also highlights the evolving battery technology crucial for future electric vehicles, hinting at the market disruptions ahead.