10 Electric Vehicles That Will Definitely Become Classics

Apr 02, 2024

These EVs pioneered market-altering cutting-edge technological advancements and deserve to be classics with spots in the annals of EV history.

Over the years, a few electric vehicles have introduced pioneering technological advancements and innovations that could potentially make them classics in the near future. With the continued development of electric battery technology, long-range models keep springing up on the market. The lithium-ion battery technology has thrown the electric vehicle movement alight and almost everything seems to be built on how fast and far the advancements in its technology can go. This casts the spotlight on the vehicle that pioneered its technology.

That said, the electric vehicle movement itself is the departure from traditional internal combustion engine technology to the use of electric motors. This produces new possibilities like the abandonment of the need for the gas pump and a cleaner mode of transportation. For some models, like the pioneering Tesla, it provides an additional opportunity to have more storage space which Tesla terms a “frunk” (front trunk). These high-performance EVs have also opened up a whole new world of innovations. These models that started it all opened the road to technologies like advanced regenerative braking, autonomous and advanced driver assistance systems and even over-the-air updates. They deserve to be classics with spots in the annals of EV history.

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The Nissan Leaf is already being considered by many as one of the pioneering electric vehicles (EVs) in the market today. It was one of the first electric vehicles to be mass-produced for sale, massively promoting sustainability and the viability of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It offered exciting EV technology at an affordable rate giving it commercial success and impact on the market.

Power output

147 hp

0-60 mph

7.4 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

111 MPGe

Total driving range

215 miles

For owners to remotely check battery charge levels, control climate settings, and access other vehicle data through a smartphone app, it made use of an advanced telematics system. It featured an aerodynamic shape that improved the vehicle's range by making sure resistance was reduced while driving. In certain markets, a vehicle-to-grid capability allows the vehicle's battery to supply power back to the grid during peak demand.

In 2008, Tesla released the Roadster, based on the Lotus Elise chassis. This proved to be a groundbreaking electric vehicle that not only set the stage for Tesla's success but also the widespread adoption of electric cars. It hit the market as one of the first modern all-electric sports cars, demonstrating the thrilling performance and speed of EVs.

Power output

248 hp

0-60 mph

5.7 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

105 MPGe

Total driving range

244 miles

Its electric powertrain delivered such impressive acceleration and performance to produce such a quick zero to 60 mph time that showcased the potential of electric motors’ instant torque that made them outperform traditional gas-powered engines. It utilized ground-breaking advanced lithium-ion battery technology, which had better energy density and therefore provided over 200 miles of driving range on a full charge which was crucial in breaking the stereotype of EVs being slow with limited range.

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The Lucid Air offers one of the longest driving ranges of electric vehicles currently on the market. Its driving range of over 500 miles addresses range anxiety issues while providing extended driving capabilities. Peter Rawlings, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Lucid Motors designed the Lucid Air around the technology of miniaturizing the electric powertrain.

Power output

1,050 hp

0-60 mph

2.6 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

140 MPGe

Total driving range

516 miles

They designed the electric motors at 900 volts to shrink the electrical components. This allowed them to create more space in the interior cabin. This design resulted in the production of a more powerful, more energy-efficient, mid-size electric sedan that still had the interior dimensions of a full-size executive sedan. Lucid also utilizes their "Wunderbox" battery management system which can refill as much as 200 miles of range in just 12 minutes.

Rimac Automobili, the Croatian manufacturer of the Rimac Nevera, has continuously committed to pushing the boundaries of EV technology and performance. It delivers breathtaking zero to 60 mph acceleration times. It proves to be one of the fastest production cars ever built. Easily blowing the Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Huracan out of the water, it showcases the capabilities of electric hypercars.

Power output

1,914 hp

0-60 mph

1.74 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

53 MPGe

Total driving range

205 miles

It employs one of the most advanced torque vectoring systems in the world using LIDAR, radar, onboard cameras, and sensors to read the road ahead and calculate and deploy optimal torque levels to each independent wheel as much as 100 times a second for stability, agility and control at high speeds. It will be a real collector's item at the end of the production of its 150 units. Each cost $2.2 million.

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Porsche introduced 800-volt architecture in the Taycan, making electric vehicle charging times faster. It is the first vehicle to abandon the usual 400 volts electric vehicles have been using. It is also the first electric vehicle to be equipped with a two-speed transmission. This will help improve efficiency at higher speeds as well as improve performance.

Power output

750 hp

0-60 mph

2.6 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

83 MPGe

Total driving range

246 miles

Its two-speed transmission and high operating voltage is the reason the Taycan can repeat breathtaking Porsche level of performance consistently without dropping in performance, a problem Tesla Model S faced repeatedly. The Taycan’s advanced regenerative braking technology where the electric motors which are capable of providing 90 percent of braking power are extensively used for braking instead of the brakes not only improves efficiency but makes sure the brakes don’t need to be replaced for at least six years.

The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling electric vehicle on the market. It provides the best and most attractive bits of the Tesla franchise as well as the most attractive bit: an SUV package. It has excellent performance since its dual-motor configuration can produce supercar acceleration of 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. This is the same acceleration time as the $69,535 more expensive Jaguar F-Type R.

Power output

456 hp

0-60 mph

3.5 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

123 MPGe

Total driving range

330 miles

The Model Y combines high performance with efficiency to produce a total driving range of up to 330 miles of range on a full charge, at an extremely excellent EPA-estimated energy efficiency of 123 MPGe. Its highly intuitive center touchscreen can harness the ‘Road Trip Planner’ to help drivers plan their road trips according to routes with Tesla’s Superchargers. This will ensure they never run out of charge.

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The Toyota Prius pioneered and has played a crucial role in popularizing hybrid electric technology. It introduced the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which Toyota used to seamlessly integrate the power of a gas-powered engine and an electric motor. It was also one of the first mass-produced vehicles to include regenerative braking technology.

Power output

196 hp

0-60 mph

7.0 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

57 MPG

Total driving range

644 miles

This technology was part of what Toyota used to sell the Prius as one of the most efficient vehicles in the world. The early Prius iterations ditched lead-acid batteries to switch to nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which were more advanced and offered higher energy density and better efficiency. Today, it is the most popular hybrid vehicle in the world and one of the best-selling vehicles on the planet. It can travel over 600 miles before refueling.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV made long-range electric vehicles affordable. They brought to buyers electric vehicles that could travel over 240 miles of range on a full charge at a cost of under $30,000. In contrast, entrants with less range like the BMW i3 cost almost $20,000 more. Chevrolet employs an advanced battery thermal management system to ensure the Bolt battery operates at optimal levels.

EV

EUV

Power output

200 hp

200 hp

0-60 mph

6.5 secs

7.0 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

120 MPGe

115 MPGe

Total driving range

259 miles

247 miles

This is a technology that uses a liquid cooling system to manage the battery pack temperature. Temperature sensors are strategically placed in the battery pack to monitor battery cell temperature. It uses active and passive cooling depending on the situation as well as a heating element to warm the battery during cold weather conditions. Its advanced regenerative braking technology also enhances one-pedal driving.

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The Tesla Model S demonstrated the viability of electric powertrains as competent alternatives to traditional combustion engines. Its high-performance electric drivetrain and long range made electric vehicles more attractive. To tackle the charging limitation of electric vehicles, Tesla's groundbreaking Supercharger network initiative showed how quickly owners could charge their vehicles at strategically located stations. Long-distance travel became more feasible and convenient with an EV.

Power output

1,020 hp

0-60 mph

1.99 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

120 MPGe

Total driving range

396 miles

It also pioneered the Autopilot feature of autonomous driving which enables advanced driver-assistance features by utilizing advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence. The concept of over-the-air software updates allowed Tesla to remotely update the vehicle's software, leading to enhancements in performance, safety and efficiency, and new features, without making owners take their cars to service centers. The centrally mounted touchscreen display revolutionized the user interface of vehicles.

The skateboard platform of the R1T represents a major shift in the design of electric vehicles which could become a potentially defining feature of future EV models. For adventure and off-road enthusiasts alike, the advanced off-road capabilities could lead to it becoming a classic due in part to its pioneering technologies that enhance its ability to handle challenging terrain.

Power output

835 hp

0-60 mph

3.0 secs

EPA-estimated energy efficiency

73 MPGe

Total driving range

400 miles

Unlike any other vehicle before it, its versatile storage includes a huge gear tunnel storage compartment with its frunk for outdoor and adventure equipment, like a camp kitchen to capture those who enjoy camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Its stadium LED headlights which wrap around the front fenders, give it a futuristic feel that fits with the truck's modern technology. The boxy shape also gives it a brawny, no-nonsense look that complements its off-road focus.

Before entering into the freelance automotive content writing universe, Ebenezer had a diverse background. He has had a long history in the automotive industry in various capacities, during which he learned to appreciate the value of attention to detail and good communication skills. During this time, he's had a career in writing, editing, transcribing, and ghostwriting. He has also always believed that volunteering is not just an excellent way to give back to the community but also the easiest way to get experience, so has been actively involved in several volunteer positions over the years. His diverse background has given him a unique perspective that he brings to all his content writing projects.