Battery technology has been a primary speed bump in electric vehicle development since the first EV hit the streets more than 100 years ago. Creating and manufacturing rechargeable batteries with ample energy density to power mass-market electric cars has been in the works for decades. The technology in electric car batteries continues to improve, which extends how far EVs can travel, how quickly they recharge, and how much they cost.

Until the late 1960s, advancement in battery technology for electric cars was on the back burner because of an abundant gasoline supply. However, high oil prices and gas shortages in the early 1970s renewed interest in EVs, but they suffered from limited range and speed.

Environmental concerns in the 1990s prompted another surge of research and development for EVs. Today, many all-electric cars have a range of more than 300 miles and boast acceleration that can beat muscle cars. Manufacturers continue development to enhance EV battery performance and durability.

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