Whether you like it or not, the electric vehicle revolution is coming. We have already seen a plethora of EVs from the likes of Tesla, and more are on the way.
While not every EV has made a big splash, some remarkable electric cars are available that provide a greener way of transportation and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Within this list are some of the best and most cutting-edge EVs that offer the best driving experience.
Kia EV9
Kia has already shown us how good electric cars can look with the EV6. Now, it is on a mission to prove that even electric SUVs can look great, thanks to the new EV9.
The EV9 rides on the same E-GMP platform as the EV6 and sister cars, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Early reviews for the EV9 state that it has predictable steering and good handling. Autocar UK says that both the single-motor and twin-motor versions handle and predictably without any trickery.
Tesla Cybertruck
A list of ground-breaking EVs would only be complete with the Tesla Cybertruck included. Tesla stunned the motoring world when it was first revealed in late 2019, and true to their word, the electric pickup truck is now in production.
It is a bonkers-looking vehicle, with angles and lines that remind us of the 1980s and the DeLorean DMC-12. It is also powerful, with 600 hp from the dual motor version, and the spartan interior is typical of the convention-defying that Tesla does. There is trouble ahead, however, as Tesla recently recalled every Cybertruck thanks to dodgy glue that could cause the throttle to stick open.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
We have run out of superlatives to describe Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, but it deserves another mention. The striking design is one key element in its success, as the radical styling has shades of the 1980s, including the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale.
The Ioniq 5 utilizes Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, shared with the Kia EV6 and EV9. That platform is exceptionally efficient, allowing the Ioniq 5 Premium model up to 303 miles of EPA-estimated range and around two miles per kWh. With a starting price of $41,800, it is also one of the more affordable EVs in an expensive segment. The Ioniq 5 is also aerodynamic despite its boxy design, with an impressive drag coefficient of 0.288.
Renault 5 EV
The new Renault 5 EV is so cutting-edge because it defies EV norms. Rather than being a large SUV or a mid-size crossover, the new Renault 5 is a small city car that goes big and bold with its design, and we don’t just mean the bright yellow on the prototype.
Renault has unapologetically made the Renault 5 a retro masterpiece. The design features retro styling from the first Renault 5 of the 1980s to create one of the best-looking EVs. A range of up to 248 miles is perfect for daily driving, and you, of course, get the latest technology inside, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai had already caused a stir with the Ioniq 5, but the Ioniq 6 took things to a whole new level. This time, the manufacturer chose a sleek, streamlined shape that sits lower to the ground, creating one of the most beautiful modern EVs.
That streamlined shape also means the Ioniq 6 is one of the most aerodynamically efficient, with a remarkable drag coefficient of just 0.21, something few cars can match. It is also affordable compared to other electric vehicles. The 2024 Ioniq 6 starts at $42,450 and has an EPA-estimated range of up to 361 miles. Its efficiency and extended range are thanks to the E-GMP platform that Hyundai is using to significant effect.
Cadillac Celestiq
The Cadillac Celestiq is not yet available, but this EV will shake up the luxury establishment when it does hit the market. The luxury sedan has one of the most dramatic designs, with sleek lines down the side, sharp curves at the rear, and exquisite proportions.
Thanks to its luxury status, the Celestiq will be costly. Current estimates state that the new EV will cost around $300,000. Under the hood will be General Motors’ Ultium battery pack, which should provide up to 600 hp. The Celestiq is to have four-wheel drive as well. With a range of up to 300 miles, the Celestiq will also banish range anxiety and likely be the perfect EV for long-distance trips.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
When you thought the Ioniq 5 couldn’t get any better, Hyundai smashed it out of the park again with the Ioniq 5 N. This is the first high-performance electric Hyundai to utilize the N moniker, and its astonishing dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup provides 600 hp, which rises to 641 hp with boost—more power than the V10 Lamborghini Huracan Evo.
There are some unusual features, too. The Ioniq 5 N has the N E-Shift system, which simulates gear changes by controlling the torque output from the motor. This system works with the N Active Sound System to mimic the physical jolts and sounds when changing gear. If you want something extra, the N Active Sound System allows you to simulate the sound of a performance car or even a fighter jet with your Ioniq 5 N.
Honda Prologue
The 2024 Honda Prologue is a game-changer for Honda. It’s their first fully-electric SUV but doesn’t use a bespoke Honda platform. This is the first product of Honda’s collaboration with General Motors, where the two companies are co-developing their platform and utilizing the GM Ultium battery pack, as seen in the Blazer EV.
The Prologue is not the most spectacular of EVs. But it is a sign of where collaborations could lead us into the future, and it is still a very competent SUV. Starting at $47,400, you get a fresh, modern exterior and a spacious, premium-feeling cabin. Various trims and specs are available, beginning with the 2WD £X and up to the $57,900 AWD Elite. The beauty is that each Prologue uses the same 85 kWh battery pack, providing up to 296 miles of range, which drops to 281 miles in dual-motor form.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
When Volkswagen unveiled its concept ID. Buzz generated a massive amount of excitement. That was mainly because the electric minivan used the classic Volkswagen Camper as the design inspiration. Finally, Volkswagen unveiled the production version a couple of years ago. And yes, that did include a version in the campervan style.
Reviews have flooded in for the ID. Buzz has been overwhelmingly positive since then. The minivan’s design is one of the most highly praised aspects, as is the vast space for people and luggage in the van and how it drives. The Buzz is expected to arrive in US dealerships in 2024, as the German manufacturer launches it for the 2025 model year.
Dodge Charger SRT Daytona
Hardcore gearheads and muscle car enthusiasts might lament the prospect of an all-electric muscle car. But like or loathe it, it is coming in the form of the 2025 Dodge Charger SRT Daytona. The American manufacturer recently took the covers off the new EV, which will be available in two-door and four-door form and will have at least 456 hp.
Performance upgrades are also possible, with 50 hp available, thanks to the Direct Connection Stage 1 upgrade kit. Another feature is the Power Shot, which will boost the power by 40 hp for 15 seconds. It needs a 30-second reset before the Driver can press it again. You can get even more power with the Direct Connection Stage 2 upgrade kit and the Power Shot feature, boosting power levels up to 670 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
Rivian R1T
Rivian shook up the establishment when it launched its R1T pickup truck, becoming one of the last few years’ most lauded and well-received EVs. Car and Driver gave it a perfect 10/10 and a five-star rating, stating that the R1T is “one of the most capable EVs ever.”
It is easy to see why they came to that conclusion. It is expensive, over $70,000, and lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But you get plenty of power in both dual and quad-motor form, with 655 hp in dual-motor form, while the quad-motor R1T produces 835 hp. But the R1T is also practical, able to tow up to 11,000 lbs while you can carry a payload of up to 1,760 lbs thanks to its large pickup bed. Plus, if you want to take it off-road, then fear not. The R1T is a competent off-roader if you don’t go too hardcore with it.
Ford Explorer Electric SUV
At the moment, the new Ford Explorer Electric SUV is not coming to the United States. It will stay in Europe for now, but what we have seen so far is already incredibly impressive. The Explorer will start at around below the $50,000 mark, and in the UK, the standard model will retail for £39,875 or $49,000. The base model will have 168 hp and 218 miles of range, but the larger 77 kWh extended range Explorer will have 282 hp and 374 miles.
The new Explorer has a pleasingly modern design. It isn’t too big or bloated for a new SUV, has nice sleek edges and curves, and is well-proportioned. There is the usual tech and gizmos inside, such as heated front seats and a seven-speaker sound system, and the interior as a whole looks like a fantastic place to be.
Fiat 500e
Although it might not be the most cutting-edge or groundbreaking EV on this list, the Fiat 500e shows that you can have a fantastic electric vehicle in a very practical size.
The 500e was first launched as the New 500 in 2020, and Fiat carried over the retro design of the modern Fiat 500, but with a few tweaks. This included the removal of the front grille, creating a much cleaner and sleeker-looking city car. Powertrain options are the 24 kWh battery with 94 hp and 118 miles of range or the 42 kWh battery with 117 hp and 199 miles of range. While it wasn’t available in North America at launch, Fiat will finally bring the 500e to the USA in 2024.
