Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for longer than most people realize. In fact, they date back well over a century.
As the world continues transitioning towards sustainable energy and transportation solutions, it’s both fascinating and inspiring to look back and reflect on how far we’ve come. The recent Fully Charged Live event held in Canada put the history of EVs on exhibition, with Delta-Q right there in the mix—albeit in a unique way.
Recap of the Fully Charged Live Event
Fully Charged Live, held from September 8th–10th, 2023, was a celebration of all things electric. From the latest innovations in EV technology to presentations from industry pioneers, this event showcased the past, present, and future of electrification.
While Delta-Q didn’t set up a booth at the event, attendees still felt our presence. Chris Botting, Research Engineering Manager at Delta-Q, made a delightful discovery during his attendance—two vehicles on display outfitted with Delta-Q’s QuiQ chargers:
- A 1913 Model 38 Detroit electric car
- A 2015 Polaris Ranger EV
The juxtaposition of these vehicles—one a relic from the past and the other a symbol of modern EV tech—presented a subtle testament to the versatility and reliability of Delta-Q’s charging solutions.
A Case Study in Modern EV Advancements
The 2015 Polaris Ranger (affectionately referred to as “Sparky” during the exhibit) offered a snapshot glimpse into the modern history of EVs. Originally equipped with 8 lead acid batteries weighing 750 pounds (340 kg) and delivering a range of only 10-12 miles (18 km), Sparky’s heavy use as a border patrol vehicle resulted in an early retirement after just 4 years of service.
Less than a decade later, an upgrade courtesy of Atlas Energy Storage Systems to a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery solution gave Sparky a complete performance overhaul. Key upgrade metrics included:
- A significant weight reduction of 500 pounds (226 kg).
- A nearly fivefold increase in range to 57 miles (93 km).
- A boosted battery lifespan, now projected at 20 years.
Delta-Q continues to proudly partner with Polaris, providing optimized charging solutions to their current line of Ranger EVs.
While Sparky demonstrates how far EV technology has come in such a short time, the 1913 Detroit electric car truly brought this contrast into focus.
An Electric Drive Down Memory Lane: The History of EVs
Modern electric vehicles owe much of their advancement to Thomas Edison’s pioneering work on the nickel-iron battery chemistry in 1901. Building on this innovation, the Detroit electric car rolled off the production lines in October 1912, distinguishing itself with several remarkable features:
- A powerhouse of 64 nickel-iron Edison battery cells.
- A dual 40-volt battery bank system paired with a rotary switch-style controller.
- A travel range nearing 100 miles—impressive even by modern standards.
This very same 1913 Detroit electric car made its appearance as a star attraction at Fully Charged Live, brimming with vintage charm and historical significance. Currently owned and maintained by the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association (VEVA), the vehicle’s presence served as a keen reminder that EVs are much more than a recent trend.
Edison’s bold claim that nickel-iron battery cells would last for 100 years was not far off. Only after the steel battery casings began leaking 80 years later in 1993 were the original, still-functioning cells finally replaced with lead-acid packs.
Another recent renovation of the vehicle in 2018 once again transitioned the vehicle back to a nickel-iron solution that more closely resembled the original. VEVA noted that since no off-the-shelf charging solutions met the exact requirements of the new, custom battery packs, installing a modified 96V Delta-Q QuiQ charger would best suit the vehicle’s unique needs.
Featuring such a historic vehicle at Fully Charged Live served not merely as a salute to the past, but also as a pertinent reflection of the event’s predominant theme—the unfolding evolution of electric vehicles.
From Edison’s early experiments with nickel-iron chemistry to today’s cutting-edge lithium-ion technology, the history of EVs speaks to the durability, feasibility, and vast potential of electrification.
Fully Charging the All-Electric Future
As the Fully Charged Live event concluded, one takeaway became clear: the synergy between battery and charging solutions is crucial for the continued growth of the EV industry. As vehicles and battery technologies continue to evolve, so must the chargers that power them.
Delta-Q is proud to support worldwide electrification initiatives. Our QuiQ chargers, as seen at the event, are a resounding demonstration of our commitment to quality and innovation. As EVs come full circle, from early beginnings to an increasing resurgence in our modern era, we’re excited to be a part of this electrifying journey.
Looking towards the future, Delta-Q remains committed to charging the next generation of EVs and supporting the global shift towards a greener tomorrow.
