The electric vehicle industry shows how much things can change in just a short time. A decade ago, there were barely any electric cars on the roads, as they were largely considered to be impractical pipe dreams. Fast forward to today, and we have electric car options in almost every segment, from sedans like the Tesla Model 3 to pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning.
The past five years have been particularly interesting for the EV industry, as we've seen many automakers join Tesla in the race to conquer the fast-growing market. These include new players like Lucid and Rivian, as well as traditional automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. This article explores ten of the best EVs built over the last five years.
10 Rimac Nevera
In 2009, Croatian entrepreneur Mate Rimac established Rimac Automobili with one goal — to build incredibly fast electric supercars that could compete with the Bugattis and Koenigseggs of the world. The Nevera shows that the company means business.
Introduced in 2021, the Nevera is a superb EV that has all the elements one would want in a supercar. It looks fantastic, but the thing we love about it is its powerplant. Equipped with a quad-motor system generating an insane 1,914 hp, the Nevera takes less than 2 seconds to get to 60 mph and will go on to reach a top speed of 256 mph.
9 Tesla Model S Plaid
In 2021, Tesla set the automotive world on fire when it released one of the most anticipated vehicles of the year — the Model S Plaid. This Plaid was the largest upgrade ever made for the Model S since its introduction in 2012.
The Model S Plaid had a refreshed exterior design and a new interior featuring the controversial yoke wheel. It also received a power upgrade — unlike the standard Model S, which has two motors, the Model S Plaid was equipped with three motors generating 1,020 hp collectively. This resulted in a sub-2-second 0-60 time, which is crazy for a four-door sedan.
8 Lucid Air
Although Tesla has dominated the EV industry for much of the last decade, it's now facing stiff competition from both new and traditional automakers. One of the new automakers currently taking on Tesla is Lucid, which was previously building batteries for Formula E racecars.
Lucid Motors is looking to steal a share of Tesla's market with its flagship vehicle - the Air. The Air has a fantastic design, luxurious interior, and if you choose the top-of-the-range Dream Edition, you get over 1,000 hp and 520 miles of range.
7 Lotus Evija
Lotus used to be one of the biggest British automakers of the 20th century, but the last two decades have been relatively quiet for the automaker. So, when Lotus announced that it was developing a new electric supercar, every gearhead was looking forward to the results.
The Evija didn't disappoint when it debuted in 2019. It has a proper supercar design and is insanely fast, thanks to a quad-motor system blurting out an unbelievable 1,970 hp.
6 Aspark Owl
Not many have heard of Japanese EV manufacturer Aspark. However, everyone will soon know about it as it's developing one of the most anticipated electric cars — the Owl.
We love everything about the Owl. For starters, just look at it — it has a low-slung, curvaceous design that pleases the eye. The Owl is also going to be the most powerful EV ever, as it will have a quad-motor system generating 1,984 hp.
5 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Porsche has dominated the sports car market for much of the past half-century. So, when it realized that EVs were the future, it quickly rolled up its sleeves and developed one of the first proper electric sports cars - the Taycan.
Just like the gas-powered Porsches we know and love, the Taycan delivers a fantastic mix of looks, excellent driving dynamics, and power. The top-ranging Turbo S version has up to 751 ponies to play with, making it a blast to drive.
4 Pininfarina Battista
To most gearheads, Pininfarina is one of the greatest Italian design houses, responsible for coming up with beauties like the Ferrari Enzo and Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in 2020, Pininfarina decided to develop its own sports car, resulting in the Battista.
The Battista is based on the aforementioned Rimac Nevera, but it's hard to tell since they have different designs. Like the Nevera, the Battista is one of the fastest EVs in the world.
3 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The 'Mustang' name needs no introduction, as it belongs to one of the greatest muscle cars of all time. So, when Ford announced that it was building an electric version of the Mustang, many gearheads were not happy.
However, when the Mustang Mach-E debuted in 2020, it showed that Ford was serious about becoming one of the top EV manufacturers. The Mach-E has won over its doubters' hearts as a result of its attractive design, practical and spacious interior, and long range.
2 Mercedes-Benz EQS
Mercedes-Benz was late to the EV party, but when it finally decided to join in 2019 with the EQ range, it quickly showed everyone why it's one of the largest automakers in the world. The EQ range has spawned several vehicles since 2022, and the EQS is arguably the best.
Introduced in 2021, the EQS is a full-size luxury sedan intended to be the EV equivalent of the iconic S-Class. We love its design, ultra-luxurious and futuristic interior, and speed. Looking at how good the EQS is, we can't wait until Mercedes-Benz finally goes fully electric.
1 Audi RS E-Tron GT
Although not many have been paying attention, Audi is making serious moves in the EV industry. The German marque has a fast-growing lineup of EVs, with the RS E-Tron GT leading the line. The RS E-Tron GT is Audi's flagship EV and was developed to compete against the likes of the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S.
There's a lot to love about the RS E-Tron GT, starting with its gorgeous design. This four-door sedan also has the power to match, thanks to four electric motors producing 590 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque collectively.