While big names dominate the electric car market, several lesser-known models offer impressive performance and deserve more attention. These models provide excellent alternatives to the more commonly known brands and highlight the innovation happening across the EV industry.
Contents
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 is a stylish, performance-oriented electric car from Volvo’s electric sub-brand, Polestar. Equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that delivers 408 horsepower, it boasts a range of up to 275 miles on a single charge. The Polestar 2 features an Android-powered infotainment system, a minimalist interior, and high-quality materials. Despite being a well-rounded EV with strong Scandinavian design and build quality, the Polestar 2 is often overshadowed by more established names like Tesla. With its sleek design and advanced tech, this car deserves more recognition.
BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 is the electric version of BMW’s popular X3 SUV, offering the brand’s signature handling and luxury in an electric package. Powered by a single electric motor delivering 286 horsepower, the iX3 has a range of around 285 miles. Despite BMW’s strong reputation, the iX3 has flown under the radar compared to its more high-profile competitors. Its premium materials, advanced driver assistance systems, and practical range make it a compelling option for those looking for a luxury electric SUV.
Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul EV brings the quirky charm of the standard Soul into the electric world, featuring a 64 kWh battery pack that offers a range of up to 243 miles. Its boxy design maximizes interior space, making it a practical choice for city dwellers. Despite its affordability, the Soul EV comes with a host of tech features, including advanced safety systems and a user-friendly infotainment system. Given its practicality, unique design, and solid range, the Kia Soul EV deserves more attention in the crowded EV market.
Volkswagen ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a compact electric hatchback that offers a range of up to 340 miles, depending on the battery size. With its modern design and spacious interior, the ID.3 is a versatile city car. It features advanced technology like a fully digital cockpit and intelligent driver assistance systems. Despite Volkswagen’s big push into the EV market, the ID.3 remains lesser-known in markets like the U.S., where it isn’t sold. Its efficient design and strong range make it a standout that should receive more global recognition.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a practical and affordable electric sedan with a 38.3 kWh battery pack, offering a range of around 170 miles. The Ioniq Electric features a comfortable interior, high-quality materials, and a range of modern tech, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced safety features. Despite its lower price point, it delivers excellent efficiency and build quality. Given its affordability and solid performance, the Ioniq Electric deserves more attention, especially as a budget-friendly entry into electric mobility.
Peugeot e-208
The Peugeot e-208 is a stylish compact hatchback powered by a 50 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 217 miles. With its sporty design, responsive handling, and high-quality interior, the e-208 provides an enjoyable driving experience. It features a 3D digital cockpit, advanced infotainment, and a host of driver assistance systems. Despite its strong specs and attractive design, the e-208 is lesser known outside Europe, making it a hidden gem that deserves wider recognition.
Honda e
The Honda e is a charming, retro-styled electric city car designed for urban living. Powered by a 35.5 kWh battery, it offers a modest range of around 137 miles. However, the Honda e stands out with its futuristic interior, featuring multiple digital screens and advanced connectivity options. It’s packed with technology, including a virtual side mirror system and adaptive cruise control. Despite its small range, the Honda e’s unique design and tech-forward approach make it a car that should get more attention for its innovative urban mobility solutions.
Mazda MX-30
The Mazda MX-30 is an electric crossover with a focus on sustainable materials and a driver-centric experience. It’s powered by a 35.5 kWh battery that offers a range of around 124 miles, which is lower than competitors but suitable for city driving. Inside, the MX-30 uses eco-friendly materials such as cork and recycled fabrics. Its unique design, emphasis on sustainability, and Mazda’s reputation for driving dynamics make it a distinctive choice in the EV market, though it has been somewhat overlooked due to its shorter range.
Opel Corsa-e
The Opel Corsa-e is a compact electric car powered by a 50 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 209 miles. It delivers a practical driving experience with its nimble handling, making it ideal for city use. The Corsa-e features a well-designed interior with modern tech, including a digital driver display and a range of driver assistance systems. Despite being a strong contender in the small EV segment, it hasn’t received as much attention globally, but its affordability and solid range make it deserving of more interest.
DS 3 Crossback E-Tense
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is a luxury compact electric SUV with a 50 kWh battery and a range of around 200 miles. It combines French design flair with a plush, high-quality interior featuring premium materials like Alcantara and leather. The E-Tense comes with advanced tech, including a 3D digital cockpit and a suite of driver assistance features. Despite its stylish design and luxurious features, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense often flies under the radar, but it offers a unique blend of luxury and electric performance.
Skoda Enyaq iV
The Skoda Enyaq iV is an electric SUV with a range of up to 330 miles, depending on the battery size. It features a spacious interior, high-quality materials, and a variety of tech features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system and advanced safety systems. Built on the same platform as Volkswagen’s ID.4, the Enyaq iV offers practicality and style. However, it remains less known compared to its competitors, even though it deserves more attention for its value-for-money proposition in the electric SUV segment.
Aiways U5
The Aiways U5 is a Chinese electric SUV with a 63 kWh battery, offering a range of around 250 miles. It features a modern, minimalist interior with high-quality materials and advanced technology, including a large infotainment screen and a digital driver display. Despite its strong specifications, the Aiways U5 has yet to gain significant traction outside of China and Europe. With its competitive pricing, strong range, and sleek design, the U5 deserves more attention from global buyers looking for a value-driven electric SUV.
BYD Tang EV
The BYD Tang EV is a seven-seat electric SUV from Chinese automaker BYD, featuring a 86.4 kWh battery and a range of up to 373 miles. It boasts dual electric motors that deliver impressive performance, with 509 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds. Despite its strong specs, the Tang EV remains lesser-known outside of China, where BYD is a major player in the EV market. With its spacious interior, advanced tech, and competitive pricing, the Tang EV deserves more attention from the global market.
Lucid Air
While gaining attention now, the Lucid Air still flies under the radar compared to Tesla. This luxury electric sedan features cutting-edge technology, with its top trim offering up to 1,111 horsepower and a range of over 500 miles. The interior is luxurious, featuring high-quality materials and a sleek design. Despite its remarkable range and advanced tech, Lucid remains a lesser-known brand. The Air’s impressive performance and focus on luxury should place it among the top electric cars deserving more widespread recognition.
XPeng P7
The XPeng P7 is a Chinese electric sedan with a range of up to 439 miles, depending on the model. It features a sleek, modern design and is packed with advanced technology, including a fully digital cockpit and a semi-autonomous driving system. Despite its strong performance and advanced features, the XPeng P7 has yet to make a significant impact outside of China. Its competitive price and impressive range make it a car that deserves more attention on the global stage, especially as Chinese automakers expand internationally.
Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe is a compact electric hatchback that has been popular in Europe but remains lesser-known outside the continent. It features a 52 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 245 miles. The Zoe’s small size makes it perfect for city driving, while its modern tech, including a digital cockpit and driver assistance systems, adds to its appeal. Despite its practicality and affordability, the Zoe hasn’t gained the same level of attention as other electric vehicles, though it remains a strong option in the urban EV segment.
MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV is an affordable electric SUV with a 44.5 kWh battery, providing a range of around 163 miles. While its range may be lower than some competitors, it offers solid value for money with a spacious interior, decent tech features, and a comfortable ride. MG’s return to the market with electric vehicles has been underappreciated, and the ZS EV offers a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking an electric SUV with practical features.
Seat Mii Electric
The Seat Mii Electric is a small, city-focused electric car with a 36.8 kWh battery and a range of up to 161 miles. It’s compact, affordable, and offers a simple yet functional interior with essential tech features like smartphone integration and a digital driver display. Despite being one of the more affordable electric cars on the market, the Mii Electric doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Its compact size, practical range, and low price make it ideal for urban environments.
Bollinger B1
The Bollinger B1 is an electric off-road SUV that combines rugged design with electric power. Powered by a dual-motor setup delivering 614 horsepower and 668 lb-ft of torque, the B1 offers impressive off-road capability with features like a hydropneumatic suspension and 15 inches of ground clearance. It’s built with an all-aluminum body for durability and features a large cargo area. Despite its bold design and performance, the B1 remains relatively unknown, especially outside the hardcore off-road community. Its unique blend of utility, performance, and electric power deserves more recognition.
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is a full-size electric SUV that offers up to 410 miles of range, depending on the battery configuration. With a quad-motor system producing over 750 horsepower, the R1S is built for both on-road comfort and off-road adventure. Its luxurious interior is made with sustainable materials, and it features advanced technology like Rivian’s driver assistance system. Although Rivian has received some media attention, the R1S deserves more recognition for its capability and design, making it a standout in the growing electric SUV market.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
More from MyCarMakesNoise
19 Sports Cars That Looked Great But Performed Poorly
While they may have turned heads with sleek designs and bold styling, these 19 cars failed to live up to their potential on the road. Here’s a look at some of the most beautiful sports cars that fell short where it really counts. Read More.
19 Boutique Car Makers Crafting High-Performance Vehicles
From cutting-edge electric supercars to track-ready hypercars, these 19 boutique companies are redefining what it means to drive a performance car. Read More.
17 Motorcycles That Looked Fast but Were Painfully Slow
Whether due to underpowered engines or heavy frames, these motorcycles disappoint when it comes to performance. Here are 17 bikes that looked fast but just couldn’t deliver. Read More.
