logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2022
37m 7s

The False Dawn of the Electric Car

Pushkin Industries
About this episode

Sir Clive Sinclair was a computer whizz and business mogul to rival Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. He was a visionary who could do no wrong... until he tried to launch an electric vehicle.

The C5 “electrically assisted pedal cycle" doesn't seem so outlandish to us now... but 1985 just wasn't ready for the "aerodynamic bathtub" on wheels. Sir Clive was ridiculed and his business ruined. How did it all go so wrong?

For a full list of sources go to timharford.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Jul 17
"What a Bloody Mess we're in" - Britain's [REDACTED] Accident
Windscale is supposed to be Britain's big leap into the nuclear age, bringing science fiction to life in 1950s Northern England. But in the race to catch up with America's nuclear program, scientists are tinkering with forces they don't fully understand. When the reactor catches ... Show More
40m 32s
Jul 10
Attack of the Night People
If you tuned in to late-night WOR radio in 1950s New York, you'd enter the secret world of Jean Shepherd. Shepherd's nonconformist style, off-beat humor and love of pranks gathered a small but loyal following. These "Night People" loved being in on the joke, while the oblivious " ... Show More
40m 43s
Jul 3
LIVE: We Are Not Machines - with Sarah O'Connor
When the Luddites smashed factory frames in a bid to defend their craft and livelihoods, the machines came out on top. Today, AI and automation threaten to wipe out skilled jobs and flood us with inferior products at a fraction of the price: is history going to repeat itself? FT ... Show More
41m 40s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2022
498. In the 1890s, the Best-Selling Car Was … Electric
<p>After a huge false start, electric cars are finally about to flourish. We speak with a technology historian about this all-too-common story, and what it means for innovation everywhere.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" ... Show More
43m 17s
Jan 2016
Vaporware or Auto Revolution? Faraday Future
<p>With help from ex-Tesla employees and a Chinese tech-tycoon, Faraday Future is planning to revolutionize the electric car market. But how? Join Scott and Ben as they take a closer look at the controversial new company.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="h ... Show More
41m 5s
Jun 2024
Segway: Ridin' Nerdy with Adam Rose | 41
Before it became the butt of countless jokes and the preferred transportation for mall cops, the Segway had grand ambitions. Its inventor, Dean Kamen, believed his self-balancing, two-wheeled electric scooter would change the way we get around, and ultimately eliminate the need f ... Show More
41m 56s
Jul 2023
The Electric Car Goes Mainstream
Before Teslas were everywhere, they were playthings for the rich and famous. Building its first affordable car made Tesla a breakout success, but it nearly bankrupted the company. This is the story of how the Model 3 changed Tesla and the entire auto industry. Learn more about yo ... Show More
29m 43s
Apr 2022
Tesla vs Detroit | Survival Mode | 2
In 2010, Tesla Motors has already experienced tremendous highs and devastating lows. Elon Musk is a polarizing figure whose goal is to change the way the traditional auto industry works. It’s been a struggle, but Detroit is finally bowing to the Tesla vision, moving electric vehi ... Show More
35m 48s
Apr 2014
The Bizarre Rise and Fall of the Dale Car (Part 1)
<p>At first glance, it sounds too good to be true: a three-wheeled car with fantastic mileage, minimal wiring and almost unbelievable efficiency. So what happened to the miraculous promise of the Dale car, and why did its charismatic promoter compare herself to Preston Tucker?</p ... Show More
31m 51s
Sep 2020
#97 Secret Sauce or Snake Oil?
Today's founder had everything going for him: a huge market, loads of experience, and $70k in monthly revenue. But then, everything went wrong. Christopher Hussain's startup, RealKey, is supposed to make the complicated mortgage lending process simpler, but his pitch left our inv ... Show More
25m 55s
Oct 2023
Is Tesla’s EV Dynasty Over?
On this episode of Growth Stories, IBD’s Ed Carson and Ilaria Mazzocco of the Center for Strategic and International Studies take a look at how BYD is challenging Tesla for the top spot in electric vehicle sales — and what the intensifying competition says about the broader China ... Show More
12m 46s
Oct 2022
Nikola (not Tesla)
The bombastic founder of an electric truck startup (no, not Elon) has been convicted for his role in his company’s “intricate fraud.” But even without the crimes, getting EVs to market has proven a lot harder than everyone thought. This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, ed ... Show More
26m 5s
Apr 2023
Encore: Tesla vs Detroit | Survival Mode | 2
In 2010, Tesla Motors has already experienced tremendous highs and devastating lows. Elon Musk is a polarizing figure whose goal is to change the way the traditional auto industry works. It’s been a struggle, but Detroit is finally bowing to the Tesla vision, moving electric vehi ... Show More
35m 43s