When was the first car made? The answer takes us back to 1886, when Karl Benz invented the first car ever made. His creation, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, didn’t just roll on three wheels—it redefined human travel. In this blog, we explore the story behind the first car, explain who invented it, and show why it still matters today.
When Was the First Car Invented?
Karl Benz built the first car in 1886, naming it the Patent-Motorwagen. If you’ve searched “when was the first car invented” or “who invented the first car,” you’ve found his name at the center of history.
Before his invention, people depended on horses and carriages. With the Motorwagen, Benz ushered in the age of modern mobility. Even now, it remains the symbol of the first car in the world.
Learn more about the history of engineering in transportation.
What Was the First Car Ever Made?
- When was the first car made? – 1886
- Who made the first car? – Karl Benz
- What was the first car called? – Benz Patent-Motorwagen
- Where was the first car built? – Germany
The first car ever made ran on a gasoline-powered, single-cylinder engine with 0.75 horsepower. It reached 10 miles per hour. By comparison, modern cars surpass 100 miles per hour. Still, the Motorwagen marks the beginning of automobiles.
Check out our blog on the evolution of cars.
Who Invented the First Car?
People often ask, “who created the first car ever?” or “who made the first car.” Karl Benz holds that honor, but Daimler and Maybach also contributed to early automotive progress. Some point to steam-powered vehicles from the 1700s as the earliest attempts. However, historians widely agree that Benz designed and built the first true motor car.
See our guide on automotive inventors who changed history.
When Was the First Electric Car Made?
The first car ran on gasoline, but inventors started working on electric cars in the 1820s. By the early 1900s, electric vehicles gained popularity, though gasoline-powered cars soon dominated. Today, however, EVs have surged back into the spotlight with Tesla and other automakers leading the charge.
This evolution shows that innovation didn’t stop with the first motor car. Instead, it set the stage for electric vehicles and the first Tesla car.
Read about the future of EVs.
The Legacy of the First Car Made
The first car ever created transformed society in powerful ways:
- Mobility → People gained the freedom to travel independently.
- Industry → Automobiles launched a trillion-dollar global industry.
- Innovation → From the first automatic cars to the first Tesla cars, each step built on Benz’s breakthrough.
Because of this, even today, when people search for “best first cars for teens” or “good first cars,” they trace the journey back to 1886.
Top Questions About the First Car
- When was the first car made? → 1886, by Karl Benz.
- Who invented the first car? → Karl Benz, the father of the automobile.
- What was the first car? → The Benz Patent-Motorwagen.
- When was the first electric car made? → Early 1820s prototypes.
- Who made the first car engine? → Karl Benz in 1885–1886.
Conclusion: Why the First Car Still Matters
So, when was the first car made? In 1886, Karl Benz built the first car ever made, and it changed the world forever. Every modern vehicle—whether electric, hybrid, or autonomous—follows the path he pioneered. The story of the first car proves that one bold idea can reshape history.
Explore more automotive history on our blog.