He developed a battery - powered electric motor which he used to operate a small model car on a short section of track .
In 1835 , American Thomas Davenport is credited with building the first practical electric vehicle , a small locomotive .
Thomas Davenport developed a battery - powered electric motor which Thomas Davenport used to operate a small model car on a short section of track .
In 1835 , American Thomas Davenport is credited with building the first practical electric vehicle , a small locomotive .