Electric vehicles (EVs) grow their market share annually, with more drivers swapping to battery-powered motors. While the rise is most evident with passenger cars, you can also see their impact on commercial use. What EVs are leading the charge?
Here are the nine most impactful electric autos from the last few years.
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1. Lucid Air
Some consumers are hesitant to drive an EV due to range anxiety and their car running out of battery. However, electric cars have progressed with more efficient motors lasting hundreds of miles. In fact, some EVs outpace their gas-powered components and put your mind at ease with stellar range. What’s the most efficient one on the market?
The Lucid Air has turned heads because of its record-setting range. Lucid Motors — a California-based automaker — debuted its Air model in 2021 with up to 512 miles of range. Even the base vehicle gets 420 miles, which outpaces most models you see on dealership lots. Lucid isn’t done yet, as its Gravity model recently made its 2024 introduction.
2. Porsche Taycan
Luxury sports cars can drive fast, though most rely on gas-powered engines to top 200 miles per hour. However, this part of the automotive sector is catching up by releasing EVs. Among the first and most notable innovations was the Porsche Taycan, released in 2020. With a battery-powered motor, this sports car industry hasn’t been the same.
While its motor uses battery power, the Taycan doesn’t compromise on performance. While the speed and acceleration differ based on the trim, this car has serious power. Porsche’s premier EV uses direct current (DC) fast charging to ensure drivers don’t need much time before they’re back on the road. Since the Taycan’s debut, other luxury manufacturers have developed EVs.
3. Ford F-150 Lightning
The automotive industry has typically reserved battery-electric motors for sedans because they’re lightweight. However, the tide has turned in favor of pickup trucks and the Ford F-150 Lightning. This all-electric truck debuted in 2022 and has been the face of Ford’s EV movement. Since 2023, the EV has been available in Norway, Switzerland and other European countries.
The F-150 Lightning has shined since it rolled off the lot, winning Truck of the Year from MotorTrend and Kelley Blue Book. Since the Lightning’s debut, GM and Stellantis have unveiled pickup trucks to compete with it. People rely on these light-duty vehicles for work and transit, so providing more options with pickup trucks is essential for the industry’s future.
4. Freightliner eCascadia
A decade ago, it was hard to convince people that EVs would improve their range and become mainstream. Can you imagine how they felt about semi-trucks? These gargantuan automobiles require a lot of power to move, so range and charging times have perplexed logistics companies. Now, the future is more electric due to electric semi-trucks entering the fold.
An excellent example is the Freightliner eCascadia, built to help companies with shorter routes. The truck’s typical range is 150 to 230 miles. Charging these large vehicles can be challenging, but the eCascadia can reach an 80% charge in just 90 minutes. With these innovations, the logistics industry can reduce its environmental impact and increase uptime.
5. Canoo LDV190
Besides long-haul trucks, other commercial vehicles need electrification. Imagine the emissions reductions if mail trucks, work vans and related autos could use battery-electric motors. With the Canoo LDV190, this transition is possible. This lifestyle delivery vehicle is terrific for city streets and getting jobs done without filling up a car with gas.
The Canoo LDV190 is quickly rising in America, as the postal service has said it will purchase six for its electric fleet. While the van may remind you of a Tesla Cybertruck, this vehicle is fantastic for movers, health care companies and professionals in other industries. The Canoo LDV advances EVs and promotes electric power by placing sockets in the rear cargo area.
6. Toyota Prius Prime
Electric motors are the auto industry’s focus as it transitions from fossil fuels. How do other renewable resources factor into the equation? Toyota has become one of the first big-name manufacturers to incorporate solar power. With the Prius Prime, you can harness the sun’s energy and reach your destination. While not wholly solar-driven, it’s a step in the right direction.
The Prius Prime is innovative because of its solar roof. With these photovoltaic (PV) panels on top, your Prius suddenly becomes even more efficient. The roof adds a few miles to your vehicle’s range, making it even easier to drive an EV and worry less about range. With industry professionals reducing solar panel waste, this concept could become more mainstream.
7. BMW iX Flow
Aesthetics are essential when selling a car. If your car looks cool, consumers open their pocketbooks and cut checks! Automakers must go the extra mile when selling EVs because they’re the cars of the future. Which make and model embodies these sleek and futuristic qualities? The BMW iX Flow has influenced the next generation of EVs.
This electric BMW is famous for using E Ink, which can change exterior colors. Say you want red or rainbow instead of white. You can achieve this alteration by simply pressing a button. While aesthetically pleasing, this feature is critical for temperature changes. You can have a black car in the winter and white in the summer to help with battery life.
8. Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Companies use nostalgia to sell products. Would you buy something from your childhood if a brand brought it back? In this case, Volkswagen has combined relics from the past with battery-electric power. Unsurprisingly, the ID. Buzz’s inspiration was the Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus. This EV debuted in late 2024, but it looks like a bus you’d see in 1964.
The ID. Buzz fits your needs if you enjoy road trips. With a spacious interior, you have plenty of room for your belongings. This electric bus lets you choose one or two electric motors with up to 335 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque. The range hits around 250 miles, coming short of other family cars. However, the van makes up for it by being a solid vehicle for camping vacations.
9. Renault 5 E-Tech
Another callback to a classic car is the Renault 5 E-Tech. This vehicle mimics the original Renault 5 from the 1970s, except it’s much bigger than the supermini. The French company introduced the prototype in 2021 and began production in 2024. Plus, its affordability sets it apart from other EVs on the market.
If you like the aesthetic of a Mini Cooper or a Fiat, you’ll love the Renault 5 E-Tech. The compact car fits city living as a small automobile that can fit in narrow spaces. It’s unavailable in the U.S., so you’ll have to go to Europe to drive one. Another cool piece of nostalgia lies with the fog lights as they pay homage to the original Renault 5’s rally days.
Moving the Industry Forward With Innovative EVs
EVs headline the auto industry’s future, and they’re improving yearly. With developing ranges and horsepower, they’re more useful for personal and commercial purposes. The growing market share means the roads should see fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the coming years. Whether new designs or nostalgic comebacks, innovative EVs are leading the electric vehicle revolution.