Power Plays

Entrepreneurs have been trying to sell electric vehicles since 1898, without much success. Will the latest crop change history?

to build AS TESLA STRUGGLES enough cars to fill orders, other, independently funded companies, such as Karma, are gaining traction; and the revived Volvo is committed to producing only electric vehicles and hybrids beginning in 2019. BMW, Nissan, GM, and Toyota continue to launch EVs. Despite low gas prices, the logic and inevitability of EVs are becoming more apparent. EVs first hit the road in the 19th century but lost the power struggle to internal combustion. Firms founded in the 21st century (far right) continue to advance the argument. Today, EV firms are making cars, vans, buses, and trucks—Tesla is launching a semi—as they rewire the auto industry. But which ones can generate enough juice for the long run?