The world's first electric tricycle was invented in 1881 by French engineer Gustave Truffaut. This tricycle was powered by a lead-acid battery. However, the electric car invented in 1873 by Englishman Robert Davidson using a primary battery is not internationally recognized. Later, electric vehicles were powered by lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion, and fuel cell batteries.
Battery Types and Performance
1. Lead-acid batteries (including lead-acid gel batteries): Inexpensive, stable performance; most electric vehicles on the market use this type of battery.
2. Lithium-ion batteries (commonly known as lithium batteries): Expensive, unstable performance, prone to explosion, and have a low safety factor. The lithium iron phosphate power battery, currently under development, addresses the safety issue.