Electric cars are still in their infancy in comparison to their gas-guzzling counterparts, but we can officially say that they are learning to crawl. A decade after Toyota changed the game by releasing the Prius, Tesla is bringing a new energy into the design, specs and performance of the environmentally-friendly automobile. Tesla has been so successful at transforming the electric car from utilitarian to sporty that competitors are following suit.
Model 3
Car-buyers are gaga for Tesla’s Model 3. The Nevada company made history when thousands of buyers reserved a Model 3 at least 24 months before the cars were ready. Now that Tesla is preparing to fill the orders, it has revealed an online configurator that lets buyers pick from six colors and two wheel options, in addition to premium upgrades like a glass roof.
BMW i3
BMW has rolled out an entire line of electric vehicles but the i3 failed to catch the eye of discriminating buyers. As a result, the German automaker decided to give its bug-like car a facelift. The new i3 has a wider track, with a longer front end. This makes it look less buggy. THe rear of the car is also less boxy, with the roof now sloping. BMW hopes that the design changes will help compensate for the $44,000 price tag.
Mini Cooper
BMW’s Mini Cooper has decided to go all-in on its first electric concept. Although there are electric options to its current line, this is its first fully-electric concept vehicles. The design keeps the standard Mini look but adds some cool flourishes, like a slightly rounded front end and striking neon trim.
Volkswagen ID Buzz
Car lovers have clamored for decades for the return of the Volkswagen bus. Now, drivers are finally going to get it in electrified form. It will seat up to seven people and will essentially be a minivan, albeit a minivan with the retro hipness of 60’s counterculture. The ID Buzz takes its design cues from ts Type 2 rear-engined box that many remember with great fondness.
Fisker EMotion
If money is not an object, then you’ll love Henrik Fisker’s newest baby, the Emotion, a super-luxury car that will have an amazing range of 400 miles and a top speed of 161 mph. The sleek, aerodynamic lines of the car are sure to make drivers swoon. The car arrives with all the slick bells and whistles: an aluminum centerpiece in the front with a LIDAR system behind a tinted screen. Panoramic 360-degree camera views help to ensure you don’t ruin the beautiful car by backing into a pole.
Chevy Volt
The Chevy Volt was built for people who can’t afford a Fisker but still want great performance in an electric car. Its success was startling, since it beat out the flashier Tesla. One look at the Volt and it’s easy to see why. The first mass-produced electric car has the shape of a Prius and comes in exciting colors. It has a 200-mile range and a great-looking dashboard. Better yet, it starts at just $33,000 – about half of what drivers are paying for a Tesla.