The History of the Automobile
The automobile, more commonly known as the car, certainly counts as one of the greatest inventions in human history.
As to who invented the automobile, the answer is not quite so clear-cut. While some give credit to Karl Benz, who patented the first gas-powered vehicle in 1886, others give the praise to Gottlieb Daimelr. Incidentally, the two inventors' companies merge (合 并) in 1926 to form the famous Mercedes-Benz.
It was Henry Ford who designed a system of mass production that allowed him to produce cars far more cheaply, which in turn meant he could sell them at lower prices. By 1927, 15 million of Ford's famous all-black Model Ts had been produced. Mass car ownership had become a reality.
Inventors were working on electric vehicles around the same time that gas-powered ones were being developed. The first electric car was designed in 1884 by Thomas Parker, the same man who electrified the London Underground. By 1900, electric vehicles were giving gas cars a run for their money. They were quiet, did not give off emissions, and were easier to drive, especially for women.They were difficult to charge when most people's homes didn't have electricity. They were also rather expensive. In the end, Henry Ford's cheap Model T put an end to interest in electric cars which didn't become popular until the gas shortages and environmental concerns of the late 20th century.
Now, early in the 21st century, we find ourselves on the brink of yet another age in automobile history. Electric cars are set to make the gas-guzzler (油 老 虎) out of date.Benz, Daimler and Parker would surely be amazed by how far their dreams have come.
A. But why were early electric cars not popular?
B. However, they weren't without shortcomings.
C. They were also popular in European countries.
D. It allows people to travel great distances quickly, safely and cheaply.
E. And self-driving cars may soon make human drivers a thing of the past.
F. At first, European models were far too expensive for most people to buy.
G. Many people think of electric vehicles as a new invention, but actually that's not the case.
