The history of the electric motor –
from the first prototype in 1740 to the present day

174X

The 1740s – The beginning of inventions

The first prototypes of the electric motor surfaced in the 1740s, based on the work of Scottish Benedictine monk and scientist Andrew Gordon. Researchers such as Michael Faraday and Joseph Henry further developed these early motors, carried out experiments with electromagnetic fields and realised how electrical energy could be converted into mechanical energy.

1834

1834 – Construction of the first electric motor

In 1834, Thomas Davenport from Vermont created the first officially recognised battery-powered electric motor. This motor was the first to have enough power to perform practical tasks and was used to power a small printing press.

1886

1886 – Introduction of the direct current motor

William Sturgeon developed the first direct current motor that could generae sufficient power for machines. However, it was not until 1886 that the first practical DC motor which ran at a constant speed under variable load conditions was produced by Frank Julian Sprague. This invention opened the way for the broad use of electric motors in industry.

188X

Late 1880s – Commercial use of motors

Despite Davenport's important discovery, it took around 50 years before electric motors werde used commercially. Scientists and engineers worked on the further development of various types of electric motors to make them suitable for commercial use. Eventually, electric motors were widely used in industry, factories and households. 

1888

1888 – Patenting of the alternating current induction motor

Nikola Tesla invented an alternating current induction motor in 1887, which he patented a year later. Although this motor was not initially suitable for road vehicles, it was later modified by engineers at Westinghouse. In 1892, the first practical induction motor was created, followed by a rotating bar winding rotor, which enabled its use in the automotive sector.

1891

1891 – Advancements in three-phase motors

In 1891, General Electric began developing three-phase induction motors. GE and Westinghouse signed a cross-licence agreement in 1896 to exploit the design of the bar winding rotor.

20XX

2000s – Modern motor applications

In the 21st century, AC and DC electric motors are used in numerous industries worldwide and have become indispensable in many applications. From electric wheelchairs and stair lifts to industrial automation, transport and solar panels.