AAH #769 - The EV Slowdown and Lessons From 100 Years Ago
About this episode
Exploring the parallels between the early automotive industry and today's electric vehicle landscape, this episode features Matt Anderson from the Henry Ford Museum. He shares insights on the initial resistance to automobiles, drawing comparisons to the current skepticism surrounding EVs. The discussion delves into historical automotive innovations, the evolution of consumer preferences, and the role of iconic vehicles like the Model T. Listeners will appreciate the rich historical context and the lessons that can be learned from the past as the industry navigates its future.
electric cars
"there's a lot of people out there who absolutely despise electric cars. You pick it up from there."
Electric cars run on electricity stored in batteries, so they don’t use gasoline. They need to be plugged in to recharge and are known for quiet, smooth driving.
Electric cars are vehicles powered by electric motors and batteries instead of internal combustion engines. They produce zero tail‑pipe emissions and rely on charging infrastructure for energy.
Ford Model T
"[216.0s] Henry Ford famously with the Model T. [218.0s] It wasn't the only one, but that really opened up"
The Model T was a simple, inexpensive car that many families could afford for the first time. It made cars common in everyday life.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, was the first mass‑produced automobile that could be bought by ordinary people, thanks to Henry Ford’s assembly‑line manufacturing.
high wheel bike
"And then the high wheel bikes of the 1870s,"
These were the first bicycles, with a big front wheel and a tiny back wheel. They were fun but could tip over easily.
High wheel bikes, also known as penny-farthings, were early bicycles with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. They were popular in the 1870s but had safety issues due to their high center of gravity.
safety bike
"Now you have what they called safety bikes with wheels of the same size."
These bikes had the same size wheels on both sides and a chain that moved the back wheel, making them much safer to ride.
Safety bikes introduced in the 1890s featured equal-sized wheels and a chain-driven rear wheel, greatly improving stability and safety over high wheel designs.
steam carriage
"We have an 1865 steam carriage built by Sylvester Roper, who later went on to build steam motorcycles as well."
A steam carriage is a very old car that ran on steam power instead of gasoline. It had a boiler and used steam to move the wheels, similar to how old trains worked.
A steam carriage is an early form of automobile powered by a steam engine, predating internal combustion engines. It typically had a boiler, piston-driven drivetrain, and was used in the mid-19th century.
internal combustion powered car
"and just go straight to an internal combustion powered car?"
Internal combustion cars burn gasoline or diesel inside the engine to make the car go. This is how most cars have worked for over a century.
An internal combustion powered car uses an engine that burns fuel inside a cylinder to create power. This is the traditional gasoline or diesel engine found in most modern cars.
steam cars
"20 to 30 minutes to build up the steam in these steam cars. So, an internal combustion engine that fires right up with a hand crank or even an electric starter"
Steam cars are old-fashioned vehicles that use steam power instead of gasoline. They need water and a way to heat it so the steam can push parts inside the engine.
Steam cars are early automobiles that used steam engines for propulsion, where water is heated to produce steam that drives pistons or turbines. They were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before internal combustion engines became dominant.
Ford GT
"[734.0s] We have a Ford GT, which is cutting, too, [736.0s] is a display piece for the Detroit Auto Show."
The Ford GT is a very fast, special edition car made by Ford. It has a strong engine and a light body so it can go very fast.
The Ford GT is a high-performance, limited‑production sports car produced by Ford Motor Company. It features a lightweight aluminum chassis and a powerful V6 twin‑turbocharged engine, making it one of the fastest cars in its class.
Tesla Model S
"[877.0s] would also love a Tesla Model S, right?"
The Model S is a big electric car made by Tesla that can drive long distances without gasoline and has fast acceleration.
The Tesla Model S is a full‑size all‑electric luxury sedan introduced in 2012, known for its long range and high performance.
78 Dodge Omni
"[961.0s] we've got a 78 Dodge Omni. [963.0s] The other hand, we have the 31 Bugatti Royale"
The Dodge Omni is a small car from the 1970s that was made by Chrysler. It has a simple design and is often seen in classic car shows.
The Dodge Omni was a compact car produced by Chrysler in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The 1978 model was part of the first generation, known for its boxy styling and front‑engine, front‑wheel‑drive layout.
Henry Ford Museum
"to meet the cars needs and how the cars impacted every facet of our lives, ... And the other thing I like too is it goes well beyond cars. And so you're the curator of transportation."
The Henry Ford Museum is a big museum in Michigan that shows old cars, trains, and other machines from the past. It helps people learn about how transportation has changed over time.
The Henry Ford Museum is a large automotive and transportation museum located in Dearborn, Michigan. It showcases historic vehicles, aircraft, and railroad equipment, preserving the history of American industry.
steam powered locomotives
"I probably took my first tour of the Henry Ford Museum when I was about six or seven years old. And it made a lasting impression because you have these gigantic steam powered locomotives inside the museum."
Steam locomotives are trains that run on steam power, like old big engines that used coal or wood to make steam and push the train forward.
Steam powered locomotives are trains that use steam engines to move. They were the dominant form of rail transport in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
General Motors
"We also have a few cars from our friends at GM who have loaned to some significant racing cars and production cars. And we'll bring things in for special events like our motor muster and old car festival..."
GM is a big car company in the U.S. They make cars like Chevrolet and Buick.
General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes vehicles under brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
Saturn
"So these guys at GM can't get you a Saturn."
Saturn was a car brand that used to be part of GM. They made cars with a different look and some special customer perks.
Saturn was a brand of automobiles owned by General Motors from 1985 to 2010, known for its unique design and customer service concepts.
presidential limousine
"[1464.0s] I remember that you have presidential limousines. [1466.0s] Do you still have those?"
A presidential limousine is a fancy car that the president drives. It has extra safety features and special equipment to keep them safe.
A presidential limousine is a specially equipped vehicle used to transport heads of state, often featuring advanced security and communication systems.
Quadro cycle
"His first car, the Quadro cycle of 1896 had an internal combustion engine."
A Quadro cycle engine is a type of car engine that tries to get more power out of each breath of air and fuel, making the car run better and use less gas.
The Quadro cycle is a four-stroke internal combustion engine design that uses two compression strokes and two power strokes, aiming to improve efficiency over the traditional Otto cycle.
Richstone Weatherpeep Tires
"Richstone Weatherpeep Tires with a 70,000 mile limited warranty."
Richstone Weatherpeep Tires are a type of tire that can handle different weather, like rain or light snow, and they’re made to last a long time.
Richstone Weatherpeep Tires is a brand of all‑season tires known for their durability and performance in various weather conditions.
hood ornaments
"And also when I started the book, it was going to be about hood ornaments."
Hood ornaments are little decorations on the front of a car’s hood that show the brand or add style. They were common in older cars.
Hood ornaments are decorative features placed on the front of a car’s hood, often reflecting brand identity or era-specific design trends.
Buick grill
"Like these big, Buick grill that became in the book a two-page spread for those kind of things."
The grill is the part at the front of a car that lets air in. Buick cars have a special style for this area, which many people recognize.
The grill is the front opening of a car’s hood, often featuring a distinctive design that can be iconic for a brand. Buick’s grills are known for their bold, horizontal bar patterns.
Oldsmobile
"I don't know if I can turn to this, this page quickly or not, but you even have like an oldsmobile ornament."
Oldsmobile made cars for many years in the U.S. They were sold by General Motors and stopped making cars after 2004.
Oldsmobile was an American automobile manufacturer that operated from 1901 to 2004, known for producing a range of cars including sedans and coupes. The brand was part of General Motors before it was discontinued.
Spirit of Ecstasy
"She and I are working on, sort of working on a historical novel about Eleanor Velasco Thornton, who was the model that posed for the Rolls Royce hood ornament. The spirit ecstasy."
The Spirit of Ecstasy is the fancy little statue you see on top of a Rolls‑Royce car. It looks like a woman with a dress and an umbrella, and it’s the car company’s logo.
The Spirit of Ecstasy is the name of Rolls‑Royce's signature hood ornament, depicting a woman in flowing dress holding an umbrella.
Plymouth
"And so Pontiac, of course, had its Indian head and that lasted in different forms... Plymouth had the sailing ship."
Plymouth was a brand of cars made by Chrysler, popular in the mid-1900s.
Plymouth was a marque of Chrysler Corporation from 1928 to 2001, offering mid-size and full-size cars.
Pontiac
"And so Pontiac, of course, had its Indian head and that lasted in different forms..."
Pontiac was a car brand made by GM that sold cars for many decades, especially sporty models.
Pontiac was an American automobile brand produced by General Motors from 1926 to 2010, known for sporty and performance-oriented cars.
Packard
"Same theme lasted all the way into the 50s, Packard on the other hand had probably six or seven or eight different totally different images for their hood ornaments."
Packard made fancy luxury cars in the early 1900s.
Packard was an American luxury automobile manufacturer operating from 1899 to 1958, known for high-end vehicles.
Chevrolet
"But even Chevrolet and you know, lesser brands had some pretty fancy hood ornaments in their name."
Chevrolet is a big car brand that makes many types of cars and trucks.
Chevrolet is a major American automobile brand owned by General Motors, producing a wide range of vehicles since 1911.
voice motor meter
"So that when you're in the driver's seat, you can see if your engine was going to overheat or that was called a voice motor meter. I have a whole chapter on voice motor meters."
A voice motor meter is a simple gauge you could see on older cars that told you if the engine was getting too hot. It used a little speaker or light to warn drivers before modern digital displays.
A voice motor meter is an early dashboard gauge that displayed engine temperature and other vital stats, often with a spoken or visual indicator. It was popular before modern digital gauges replaced it.
Subaru
"It's all come into a nice landing here at the end of the year with the 2025 Subaru share the love event."
Subaru makes cars that can drive well in bad weather because they have power on all four wheels. They also use a special engine shape called a boxer.
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and boxer engines, popular in the U.S. market.
Volkswagen
"There's Volkswagen or Audi, Alfa Romeo, Cadillac even has simplified the crest."
Volkswagen makes many different cars, from small city cars to bigger family vehicles. They also own Audi.
Volkswagen is a German automaker that produces a wide range of cars, from compact Volkswagens to luxury Audi models.
Cadillac
"There's Volkswagen or Audi, Alfa Romeo, Cadillac even has simplified the crest."
Cadillac makes big, fancy cars that are very comfortable and have lots of luxury features.
Cadillac is an American luxury brand owned by General Motors, known for large sedans and SUVs with upscale features.
Audi
"There's Volkswagen or Audi, Alfa Romeo, Cadillac even has simplified the crest."
Audi is a fancy car brand that makes sleek cars with advanced technology and all-wheel drive.
Audi is a German luxury brand under the Volkswagen Group, known for its quattro all-wheel-drive and high-tech interiors.
Alfa Romeo
"There's Volkswagen or Audi, Alfa Romeo, Cadillac even has simplified the crest."
Alfa Romeo makes sporty Italian cars that look cool and drive well.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian automaker famous for stylish, performance-oriented cars and a distinctive logo.
Lalique
"Lalique Glass, Lalique. I'll read Lalique made a Renee Lalique, I think his name was, made 30 some different crystal hood ornaments for cars back in the 30s."
Lalique is a famous French company that makes fancy crystal decorations. In the 1930s, they made shiny glass ornaments for car hoods.
Lalique is a French luxury crystal manufacturer founded in 1832. The company produced decorative glass hood ornaments for cars in the early 20th century, often featuring intricate art‑deco designs.
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