The market for electric cars is expanding at an unprecedented rate. With more models available now than ever and an increasing number of manufacturers joining the electric revolution each year, the accessibility of these innovative designs is becoming a reality. However, the challenge of creating unique and creative designs for electric cars remains.
Most manufacturers have played it safe, producing tame, safe-looking EVs that don’t deviate too far from the look of regular ICE cars. That is slowly changing.
This list contains 13 of the best-looking EVs that are either on sale right now or close to going on sale. Some are futuristic, some are retro-inspired, but all are brilliant.
Renault 5 EV
One of the most recent releases is the new Renault 5 EV, with the styling inspired by the original Renault 5 that has become a classic. The new supermini looks bright and bold thanks to the yellow color Renault has showcased it in, and it is easily one of the best-looking EVs on the market.
Renault makes no apologies for taking design cues from the 1980s original, which is, in turn, what makes the new Renault 5 so great. Plus, its range is up to 248 miles, plenty for many people who are driving and commuting to work daily. Images of the interior show a spacious and modern cabin that doesn’t feel too cluttered, and you will get the usual technology, such as Android and Apple connectivity.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
With its recent releases, Hyundai has been knocking it out of the park, and the new Ioniq 6 might be the best of the bunch. The Ioniq 6 builds upon the success of the Ioniq 5, but the boxy, Lancia-inspired design is now replaced with a sleek, streamlined look that is straight out of the 1930s.
That streamlined shape also serves a purpose. The Ioniq 6 has a very low drag coefficient of just 0.21, which almost nothing can match. Its EP-estimate range is up to 361 miles, and it won’t break the bank either, starting at $42,450 in 2024. The Ioniq 6 is also incredibly efficient, thanks to the Hyundai E-GMP platform.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Having discussed the Ioniq 6, there is no way we can’t talk about its predecessor, the Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 follows a very different type of styling to the 6, with a boxier shape reminiscent of the 1980s, and if you squint, the Ioniq 5 starts to look like a Lancia Delta Integrale.
Under that retro skin is the same E-GMP platform in the Ioniq 6, and it means the Ioniq 5 has an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles in its Premium trim. Like the Ioniq 6, the Ioniq 5 is very efficient at two miles per kWh, and it starts at $41,800 in 2024, making it just as affordable as the Ioniq 6. Despite the boxier shape, the Ioniq 5 still has an impressive drag coefficient 0.288.
Kia EV6
Hyundai’s sister company, Kia, also uses the E-GMP platform. Most notably, it has done so on the EV6, a gorgeous-looking crossover that differs from the Ioniq range’s fresh and modern appearance. The EV6 is one of the most reliable EVs on the market, and Consumer Reports even gives it a five out of five for reliability.
The base model EV6 offers 252 miles of range, but if you want more, you can get up to 310 miles—more than enough to eliminate range anxiety. Pricing-wise, it is in the same ballpark as its siblings, at $42,600 MSRP in 2024. The EV6 is a crossover, but it has a dynamic station wagon look, and its design shows rivals such as Tesla how radical a modern EV can look.
Polestar 2
One of the Polestar 2’s biggest strengths is that thanks to its subtly different design and lack of significant badging, it has enough to make people stop and wonder what it is. Beneath that sleek skin, though, is a high-quality EV that will worry rivals such as Tesla and Audi.
The Polestar 2’s powertrains range from the entry-level standard range single motor, which provides 339 miles and 228 hp, to the long-range single motor, which upgrades the power levels to 295 hp and delivers 406 miles of range. The top-spec long-range dual motor offers less range, 368 miles, but more power, 416 hp. Then there is the long-range dual motor performance pack that boosts the power up to 469 hp.
MG MG4
The British brand, now under Chinese ownership, is starting to make a name for itself again with its range of EVs. The MG4 leads the way in that regard, and while it looks less exciting on paper, it offers a lot compared to many of its rivals.
The MG4 range includes five models, from the 168 hp, 218-mile base model to the Trophy with more radical styling and 270 miles of range. Reviewers say the MG4 rides well, drives well, and comes with a large amount of standard kit, which means it is well-equipped. The MG4 is also a sleek, good-looking EV that, while not currently available in the USA, starts at around $32,000, making it affordable.
Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD
The trend of retro-inspired EVs continues with the radical Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD. In 2021, the German manufacturer took an original 1970s Opel Manta and restomodded it into a fantastic-looking EV with the retro styling of the 1970s original, plus a few modern tweaks.
The changes included a refreshed, modern interior, a digital front face, headlights, and a digital rear end. Gone is the 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine from under the hood. Instead, there is a 134-hp electric motor with a 31 kWh battery pack. Safety requirements mean Opel couldn’t put the Manta GSe into production, but they are bringing a new Manta to us in 2025, so that may follow the Renault 5’s direction with some retro design cues.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Not content with the standard version of the Ioniq 5, Hyundai decided to take the EV to the next level with the incredible Ioniq 5 N—the first Hyundai N car to have all-electric power. The higher power Ioniq 5 N has 600 hp thanks to its dual-motor, an all-wheel-drive setup that rides to 641 hp with a boost.
That is more power than a V10 Lamborghini Huracan Evo. The Ioniq 5 N also has some exciting features. One is the N E-Shift system, which simulates gear changes by controlling the motor’s torque output. This works with the N Active Sound System to mimic the physical jolts and sounds when changing Gear. If you want more sound with your EV, then 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.
Dodge Charger SRT Daytona
We are now in a world where an electric muscle car is no longer a fantasy. The 2025 Dodge Charger SRT Daytona is the first all-electric muscle car, and Dodge recently took the covers off the production version after revealing the concept a few years ago.
Dodge will offer the Charger EV in two- and four-door form, with a base model offering 456 hp. Dodge will also offer performance upgrades, with 50 hp available, thanks to the Direct Connection Stage 1 upgrade kit. There is also the Power Shot, which will boost the power by 40 hp for 15 seconds. More power comes thanks to 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.
Ford Explorer Electric SUV
Unfortunately, the new Ford Explorer electric SUV is not coming to the United States. This is a shame because, from what we have seen, this new EV will be very impressive. The new Explorer will retail for around $49,000, with the base model offering 168 hp and 218 miles of range.
The more extensive 77 kWh extended-range Explorer has 282 hp and 374 miles, which should eliminate range anxiety. Thanks to its sleek edges and curves, the new Explorer’s design is a highlight, marking a shift from the bloated design of other electric SUVs. The Blue Oval hasn’t cheaped out on features, and the Explorer has mod cons such as heated front seats and a seven-speaker sound system.
Renault Scenic E-Tech
The Renault Zoe is no longer the sole EV in the car manufacturer’s portfolio. Its latest version of the Scenic E-Tech is a fresh-looking MPV with a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin, and very handsome styling. Most important is the long-range battery packs.
Top Gear’s website reviewed the Scenic E-Tech and said the steering is quick and the MPV is excellent for driving. Even though it’s a larger EV, it feels light, and the range is also impressive, with up to 391 miles WLTP range, although Renault is honest and says this equates to around 231 miles at French highway speed in the real world.
Hyundai RN22e
One of the best EVs of recent years is one that you can’t buy. Enter the N Vision 74, a radical concept from Hyundai that takes the Ioniq 6 and turns it into the ultimate track-day electric car. Hyundai extended and widened the Ioniq 6 for a sportier appearance, boosting power to 577 hp.
There are plenty of external changes as well. Most notably, the RN22e has a new, large rear wing plus a front lip to enhance the track-style look of the EV. While it is only a prototype, the RN22e serves as the basis and preview of the upcoming Ioniq 6 N, which will join the Ioniq 5 N in Hyundai’s sporty N car lineup.
Hyundai Pony Concept EV
Another entry and another Hyundai EV. This time, we have the Hyundai Pony Coupe EV concept, which Hyundai took the covers off in 2021, around the same time it revealed the Ioniq 5. As the name suggests, the Pony Concept EV is a restomodded example of an original Hyundai Pony Coupe, showcasing the manufacturer’s EV technology.
Automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro conceived the original Pony in the mid-1970s, Korea’s first mass-produced and exported vehicle. The concept is, of course, based on an original 1970s Pony, with a few subtle tweaks such as the modern LED headlights and taillights, the latter also pixelated like on the Ioniq 5. The Pony EV also has retro alloy wheels and cameras on each end of the hood to replace the original mirrors.
