Description

It is interesting to find out why the (already very old) promise of widespread diffusion of the electric car never materialised. There are many possible answers to this question. For instance, the engineer looks at technical (failure) factors, the sociologist looks at public acceptance, among other things, and the business expert looks at the influence exerted by those in power in the relevant sectors.
Even the lack of success cannot be substantiated; if the electric car is seen as stimulating the development of conventional technology (the current internal combustion engine), it may actually be very successful. But all this also means that the future is still uncertain [although many ventilate a clear opinion through simple statements].

During this talk, the history of the electric car will be highlighted from the late 19th century to the present period. This will include economic, social and political factors in addition to technological ones. Trips are also made to similar cases, such as the history of the Wankel engine and other alternative drives. The underlying idea is that with the proper application of knowledge of the past, investments in the future will be more efficient and/or effective, especially in a mature market such as the automotive industry. Also, discussions about that future become more meaningful and interesting

10.30 h Reception with coffee
11.00 h Lecture by ir.drs. H.J. Wouters
11.45 h Break
12.15 h Continuation of lecture with concluding discussion
12.45 h End of meeting

Directions:
From motorway A13 Rotterdam or Den Haag, exit Delft. Leave IKEA behind you. Go straight ahead at first traffic light, turn left at second (T-junction). Keep right and turn right at the next traffic lights (Mijnbouwstraat). After approx. 100 m, you will see the former mining engineering building on your right. There is some parking next to the building, and also on the service road of the Julianalaan opposite. Public transport via NS Delft Centraal, then bus 62, 80 or 81 (stop Michiel de Ruyterweg) or walk (approx. 20 min).

Speaker(s)

Jan Wouters (1965) is director of NCAD (Netherlands Centre for Automotive History Documentation) and ECMD (European Center for Mobility Documentation), both located at the High Tech Automotive Campus in Helmond. Besides leading these two organisations, he conducts research (on e.g. composite use in cars and on the cooperation of automotive clusters in Europe) and contributes to the development of teaching materials for HBO and WO. He also designs exhibitions (on the electric car and alternative drives) and the NCAD organises an annual classic car event focusing on technological progress. Jan Wouters studied at HTS-Autotechniek in Apeldoorn and at TU/e and O.U. At both universities, he conducted research (thesis) on the lack of (long-term) success of the Wankel engine. During the TU study through a technological - and from the O.U. through a business economic perspective

Location

Science Centre, Mijnbouwstraat 120, Delft

Organiser

History of Technology

Histechnica

Name and contact details for information

Further information from L.A. Hissink at the e-mail address below.

hissinkla@planet.nl