Development in electric car technology over time

How has technology advanced in electric cars over time?

Electric cars have come a long way since their humble beginnings – and we're not just talking about a few extra miles of range.

With the 2030 petrol and diesel ban looming, EVs are becoming more popular than ever. And when you look at how far the technology has advanced, it's easy to see why people are making the switch.

Gone are the days of single-use batteries that could barely get you to the shops and back. Today's electric cars are packed with cutting-edge tech that makes them more practical, more efficient, and frankly, more exciting to drive.

From revolutionary battery technology to lightning-fast charging networks, the electric car industry has been busy transforming how we think about driving.

But what exactly has changed over the years? We're taking a look at everything from batteries and range, to charging infrastructure and the driving experience itself.

We'll even peek into the crystal ball to see what the future might hold for electric motoring.

Ready to get charged up about EV tech? Let's dive in.

Batteries and range

EVs are powered by batteries, compared to their combustion cousins which run on fossil fuels.

But realistically, dinosaurs are so 165 million years ago. Instead, EVs run on electricity, a much cleaner energy, making them more environmentally friendly.

However, a big barrier to uptake if EVs is range anxiety, or the worry that you’ll run out of charge and be stuck.

Back in the day, this would make more sense. 

But EVs nowadays can go a very long way on one charge.

Looking at one of the earliest examples of electric cars, Car and Driver explains: “Robert Davidson of Aberdeen, built a prototype electric locomotive in 1837. A bigger, better version, demonstrated in 1841, could go 1.5 miles at 4 mph towing six tons. Then it needed new batteries.”

According to the SMMT, the average range of an electric car is 236 miles, which is three times the average distance driven in a week. This makes range anxiety obsolete.

Just look at the Mercedes-Benz EQS with a WLTP Comb range of up to 481 miles.

Or, though it's not yet available in the UK, the NIO ET5 Ultralong Range with its WLTP Comb range of up to a whopping 655 miles.

Charging and charging stations

Batteries are only one side of range anxiety – look to the other side and you'll see that infrastructure, specifically charging stations, are another major concern.

With fuel, you simply rock up to one of thousands of petrol stations in the UK and fill up within minutes. Job done.

But with an EV, you have to charge it up. 

The good news? More and more charging stations are popping up across the UK, so it's much easier to find somewhere to plug in these days. 

The not-so-good news? You still have to wait.

Many EVs are compatible with rapid charging, meaning you can get a decent chunk of charge in around 30 minutes. When you're in a rush, this can be a bit annoying. But it can also give you the perfect excuse for a coffee break on a long journey – not all bad, then.

The numbers speak for themselves: as of May 2025, there are 80,998 public charging devices across the UK, according to Zapmap.

That's a massive jump from just 28,460 at the end of 2021. 

The public charging network has expanded by 30% since May 2024 alone – so things are moving in the right direction.

And let's not forget home charging. 

It's as simple as plugging in your car each night when you get home, just like you would your phone. Wake up to a fully charged car every morning, and range anxiety becomes a thing of the past.

Technology is still advancing rapidly, with companies like BYD leading the charge (pun intended). They're developing charging systems that could top up your car in just minutes – just like filling up with fuel. 

Game changing stuff.

Driving experience

Picture a powerful car. Chances are, you're thinking of an F1 racer or a chunky American muscle car, right?

Well, you might want to add electric cars to that mental image, because EVs are now seriously impressive when it comes to performance.

The secret? Instant torque.

While petrol cars need to build up power through the gears, electric motors deliver maximum torque from the moment you press the accelerator. The result? Lightning-fast acceleration that'll pin you back in your seat.

It wasn't always this way, though.

Cast your mind back to EVs from the 1970s, and you'll find cars that could barely manage 45mph with a range of just 40 miles. They were, to put it kindly, not exactly performance machines.

Then Tesla entered the chat.

They completely revolutionised the EV game, creating powerful electric cars that could not only go the distance but do it in serious style.

The Model S could hit 60mph in under 3 seconds – putting many supercars to shame. They even built their own network of Superchargers to make long-distance EV travel a reality.

But Tesla aren't the only players anymore. 

Chinese manufacturer BYD has been making waves, even overtaking Tesla in global sales.

Their secret weapon? Delivering top-notch quality at more accessible prices, making high-performance EVs available to more drivers.

Today's electric cars don't just match petrol cars for performance – they often beat them.

And with near-silent running, smooth acceleration, and cutting-edge tech, the driving experience has never been better.

The future is electric (and it's already here)

From those early electric cars that could barely make it down the road to today's high-performance machines that can outpace supercars, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.

We've gone from single-use batteries with pitiful ranges to cutting-edge power packs that can take you hundreds of miles on a single charge.

Charging infrastructure has exploded across the UK, making it easier than ever to keep your EV topped up.

And the driving experience? Well, once you've felt that instant torque kick, there's no going back.

The best part? This is just the beginning.

With rapid charging technology advancing and new players entering the market, electric cars are only going to get better, more affordable, and more accessible.

Range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past, charging times are getting shorter, and the performance keeps getting more impressive.

It's no wonder more drivers are making the switch – and with the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars approaching, now's the perfect time to get on board.

Whether you're drawn to the environmental benefits, the lower running costs, or simply the thrill of silent acceleration, there's never been a better time to go electric.