The 3 Forgotten Electric Cars Before Tesla

General Motors’ EV1 became the first mass-produced modern electric vehicle in the late 1990s, with 1,117 units built between 1996 and 1999. Developed from GM’s 1990 Impact concept, the EV1 was designed to meet California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which required automakers to produce zero-emissions vehicles by 1998. The car featured a teardrop design for aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.19, but its lead-acid battery pack provided only 50–95 miles per charge. A second-generation model with nickel-metal hydride batteries extended range to 75–140 miles but came at a higher cost, and GM exclusively leased the EV1 due to production constraints and limited charging infrastructure. Toyota’s RAV4 EV, produced from 1997 to 2003, offered a more practical electric SUV but was overshadowed by later advancements. The vehicle was leased to fleets, including police departments, and proved reliable in real-world use despite its modest range of around 100 miles. Nissan also contributed to early EV development with the Altra EV prototype in the 1970s, though it never reached production. The 1970s oil crisis reignited global interest in electric vehicles, prompting automakers like GM, Toyota, and Nissan to experiment with battery technology and vehicle design. California’s ZEV mandate pushed manufacturers to develop zero-emissions vehicles, but early models like the EV1 and RAV4 EV struggled with limited range, high costs, and inadequate charging infrastructure. Tesla later revitalized the industry with scalable battery technology and a broader market approach, positioning itself as a leader in modern electric mobility.