The journey of electric vehicles (EVs) has not been a straight road. It’s a story of early innovation, decades of obscurity, and a powerful resurgence—fueled by climate urgency, technological leaps, and grassroots determination. The Battery Vehicle Society (BVS), founded in 1973, has been present through it all, witnessing—and often participating in—the key moments that have shaped electric transport in the UK and beyond.
This Milestones page charts some of the pivotal events in the evolution of EVs, from early breakthroughs to recent achievements, with a special focus on the BVS’s role in pushing the electric frontier forward.
1881 – The World’s First Electric Vehicle
While it may come as a surprise to many, the electric vehicle actually predates the petrol engine. In 1881, French inventor Gustave Trouvé unveiled a three-wheeled electric-powered vehicle at an exhibition in Paris. Over the next few decades, EVs would become popular in urban areas for their quietness and ease of use—particularly in cities like London and New York.
Early 1900s – Golden Age of Early EVs
At the dawn of the 20th century, electric vehicles accounted for nearly one-third of all cars on the road. In Britain, electric taxis were in operation before the First World War. However, as internal combustion engines improved and fuel became widely available, EVs fell out of favour.
1973 – Founding of the Battery Vehicle Society
The global oil crisis of 1973 sparked renewed interest in alternatives to petrol and diesel. In the UK, a small group of enthusiasts and engineers came together to form the Battery Vehicle Society, dedicated to exploring and promoting electric transport. It marked the beginning of a unique movement rooted in practical experimentation, advocacy, and shared learning.
1980s – DIY Innovation & Resilience
During a time when mainstream interest in EVs was minimal, BVS members kept the flame alive. They built and converted electric vehicles in garages and sheds across the country. While public funding and attention were rare, this was a decade of persistence and invention.
BVS Milestone:
The first official BVS Rally was held in 1986, where members showcased home-built electric cars, bikes, and scooters—some using aircraft starter motors and forklift batteries.
1996 – Launch of the GM EV1
General Motors released the EV1 in the United States—the first mass-produced, purpose-built electric car of the modern era. Although never available in the UK and ultimately cancelled, it marked a turning point in public perception of EVs as more than quirky experiments.
2001 – UK Government Introduces the Plug-in Car Grant (trialled)
This initiative, later formally launched in 2011, laid the groundwork for encouraging the adoption of low-emission vehicles through financial incentives—a key step in making EVs more accessible to British motorists.
2008 – Tesla Roadster Debuts
Tesla’s first production car demonstrated that EVs could be stylish, fast, and aspirational. Although priced well out of reach for most, it changed the narrative surrounding electric cars and prompted mainstream manufacturers to start rethinking their strategy.
2010s – The Mainstream Awakens
Over this decade, the UK saw the release of affordable production EVs such as the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, and BMW i3. Charging infrastructure expanded significantly, and the public began to view electric cars as viable for everyday use.
BVS Milestone:
In 2013, the Society celebrated its 40th anniversary with its largest annual rally to date. Dozens of home-built and commercial EVs were exhibited, including the UK’s first road-legal electric Land Rover conversion.
2017 – UK Announces Ban on New Petrol and Diesel Vehicles by 2040
This policy, later revised to 2035 and again brought forward to 2030, signalled a decisive shift in government thinking. The BVS responded with a public statement in support, along with a call for clearer support for conversions and independent builders.
2020 – The Rise of EV Registrations
Despite the pandemic, UK EV sales surged. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made up nearly 7% of new car sales in 2020—a figure that has only grown since. The momentum was clear: electric transport was no longer niche.
2023 – 50 Years of the Battery Vehicle Society
The BVS marked its 50th anniversary with a special edition of the Society magazine, featuring reflections from long-time members, technical retrospectives, and a gallery of landmark projects. The Society also hosted a nationwide series of talks and exhibitions under the banner “50 Years of People-Powered Progress”.
Ongoing – The Conversion Renaissance
With growing public interest in sustainability and vehicle heritage, EV conversions are on the rise. From classic Minis to campervans and even canal boats, BVS members are at the forefront of making transport more sustainable—one project at a time.
Looking Ahead
The story is far from over. With new battery chemistries, vehicle-to-grid integration, and green hydrogen on the horizon, the BVS continues to evolve alongside the technologies it supports. But our ethos remains the same: to empower individuals, share knowledge, and champion the electrification of transport—regardless of scale or budget.
If you’ve witnessed an EV milestone or helped shape one yourself, we’d love to hear your story. The Society is always collecting historical accounts, photographs and documents to preserve the rich history of electric transport in the UK.
Let’s continue making history—together.